If you’re a user of Xbox Live, then I suggest you stock up on these discounted Xbox Live monthly passes, because you’re going to need them.  Starting November 1, you’ll be paying more to access your favorite massive online gaming network, as Microsoft has announced a rate hike for its Xbox Live Gold service.  Granted, the price increases are only by a few bucks per package (from $7.99 to $9.99 for a month, $19.99 to $24.99 for three months, and $49.99 to $59.99 for a year) but why pay extra money if you don’t have to?

“Since launching Xbox Live in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same,” said Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live.  ”We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox Live Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.”

And it just so happens to occur right before the launch of Halo Reach!  Heh heh, what are the odds?  Xbox Live Gold rates are also going to increase in Canada, Mexico, and the UK, so nobody gets left out of the price-gouging!