The Xbox network, formerly known as Xbox Live, is Microsoft's online multiplayer gaming and digital media service that debuted with the original Xbox console on November 15, 2002. It evolved significantly with the Xbox 360 (2005) and Xbox One (2013), and was officially renamed to simply "Xbox network" in 2021, with all "Live" branding fully removed by 2023. While the service for the original Xbox shut down in 2010, the current version is available in 41 countries and offers both free and subscription tiers like Xbox Game Pass Essential. Reflecting its global reach, Microsoft suspended the service in Russia in March 2022 amid the invasion of Ukraine, while expanding to locations like the Middle East and Argentina. Inspired by Sega's Dreamcast-era efforts, the service now acts as a central hub connecting consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, including through the Play Anywhere initiative.