Xbox Live 15 minute subscription $19.99

In a long-awaited marketing move, Microsoft announced today that they will be offering Xbox Live 15-minute subscription cards for $19.99. The new compact denomination is expected to boost short-term sales, and help Microsoft's bottom line this fiscal quarter.

Todd Holmdahl, Corporate VP of Gaming explains:
"We really want to go after the younger gamers. It's a highly competitive segment, and very fragmented. Today's young gamers don't have the time or attention span to spend hours playing online, so why pay for a whole year? This new subscription level is perfect for them. My kids are always clamoring for something new. They're always saying "Read me this story, daddy," or "please let's play outside today?", but who has the time? I don't"

The new card offers the same benefits and access levels as the longer Live Gold cards, but without the hefty price tag:

"We've also listened to the budget-minded parents out there, who are looking to scale back on their entertainment budgets in this difficult economy. People have lost jobs. Like I hear a lot of people. That's why we've spent millions in marketing research to determine the ideal price point for this new membership level. Time and again people tell us: "can't you make it cheaper? The Playstation Network is free," and "give us a break, you greedy corporate slimebags!". Well we think they'll be very happy with this. Twenty bucks is very affordable, and can be paid for by most kids' moms with the tips from just one dance."

The new 15-minute card goes on sale today, and will be available both in-store and online. For a limited time, Microsoft is including an additional bonus minute, to help offset the extra time needed for your home-schooled little accident to think of a clever gamertag containing "420".