Well, Xbox Live got this new party system like months ago.
You can invite your friends and have private discussions and such, and invite the entire party to one game.
But I didn't realize something till now.
Ever since these parties came out, it seems people don't talk to their team anymore. They just stick to their 3-4 person party andeaving it on party chat. Games become less interesting if you're just running around playing the game, adapting to other's actions. I like to strategize with a team. Telling each other plans and how to beat the other team. But now it seems like I'm just talking to the wall. Everyone is in their own private groups of people possibly playing other games.