It depends really. Games like FFXI that require a $100 + Hard Drive, the Network Adapter, Keyboard/Controller + monthly fees aren't going to make much profits. I doubt the cost that it took to make the game would break even, well eventually yes, maybe after like 4 years. Although I'm at finances expert so then again I could be wrong. But if one person needs to spend $400 just to get started, plus monthly fees, then I dont see how it can rake in good profits.
However, if you have more games that don't require online fees (FPS', racing, fighting, all good games to play online), and instead just offer a service package like Xbox Live and give the consumers a full year free or something, then I can see that going somewhere. But then again not everyone has a credit card, which I think is the downfall of online games. Isn't there such thing as online debit that allows the company to directly withdraw from your bank account? I don't know the details but it sounds good.
So overall, I think it really depends on what is being offered to the consumer. It could either make the company money or make them lose money.
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