Xbox Live Arcade: higher file size cap equals higher prices

Posted Mar 8, 2007 at 2:57PM by QJ Staff Listed in: Xbox 360 Tags: Electronic Arts, GDC, Konami, Microsoft, Microsoft Points, Xbox Live Arcade
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Castlevania's Marie Renard - Image 1Xbox Live Arcade titles used to have a cap size limit of 50MB. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it has officially raised that limit to 150MB, making it possible for developers to add more content and flair, so to speak.

Microsoft Casual Games Manager Bryan Trussel mentioned during this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) that this should have repercussions on pricing.

"I think as you find that people make a very, very robust game with a lot of levels, a lot of art or a lot of music associated with it, you might see a correlation between some of the pricing. There won't be any direct 'this size equals this price' but I think you might see correlations along those lines," commented Trussel.

Prior to the announcement, the most expensive titles on the Xbox 360's download service can be purchased for 1,200 Microsoft Points (MP). Konami's upcoming Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is said to reach 96MB.

Trussel added that there are no hard line rules yet to size and pricing as they are considering if fans will react to this development favorably.

"We really want to make the canvas size for this type of game an area where a three-person garage developer can make games that stand side by side with EA (Electronic Arts) in a cost-effective way. And that has to do with size and pricing," explained Trussel.

 
 
 

Comments

by - 2007-03-08 15:04:26
No!

Damnit!
by GrayWolf323 - 2007-03-08 15:56:49
wtf

a lot of the prices are too high as is if they are going to start charging more thats just stupid
by - 2007-03-08 17:28:19
hmm..

well IMO if the game is that good, i can justify to spend a bit more for it, just my 2 pennies
by - 2007-03-08 19:55:39
Um, no.

I am not paying over 1200 points for a god damned arcade game, I don't care how good it is. Hell I don't even buy the 1200 point ones, those are too expensive as well. They're pushing this too far, it's incredibly easy to download an emulator and play any old game you want for free on your PC, if these get over 1200 points that's exactly what I'll do. Having it on my console (which to me is much more fun to play than my PC) is nice, but not worth over $10.
by - 2007-03-09 00:02:41
don't complain

If it's a title like Castlevania SOTN or some other reincarnated full game I don't see a problem. Back when SOTN was released I paid like $50 for it, I would be happy to get an improved version on my 360 for $20. Oh BTW, Bankshot Billiards was 1600 points so this has already been in effect for a while... sorta.
by - 2007-03-09 00:14:31
fu

Using emulators for games that are still available in stores is stealing and illegal. Not liking the price of something is no excuse for stealing it.
by - 2007-03-09 02:41:23
No dumbass

I said old games for a reason, you can't get an emulator for new games (there still isn't a decent Xbox emulator). I don't have a PlayStation 1 emulator, but no doubt it'd take two minutes to find it and this Castlevania game. To q, right, you payed $50 for it back when that was acceptable, over $15 today just isn't cool for a 2D game. And no, Bankshot Billiards was 1200 points when it came out, not 1600.
by - 2007-03-09 03:03:28
...

I think hours of game play and the quality of the title will determine the game price. Every arcade title has a demo and gives the gamer enough of a chance to decide if the title is worth it. If you don't like it or you think it's too expensive, don't buy it.
by - 2007-03-09 13:58:10
q

BB was 1600 points then it was changed to 1200 about a month later. I know, I bought it. You can't steal something just because you find the price unacceptable. If they re-release SOTN or some other old game then it is available in stores so if you want it, buy it. If you don't like the price then tough. I restored classic like SOTN is worth $20 to most people and that will be proved when it comes out and beats the XBLA sales record. When someone creates something they can charge whatever they want for it and if people want it bad enough they will pay that price, it's called capitalism.
by - 2007-03-11 05:56:04
to cvn

Doesn't matter. Castlevania SOTN will be available on the 360 soon. If you want it buy it. If you think it is overpriced then don't buy it but either way you have no right to steal the creators work. BTW - calling me names only makes YOU look childish.

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