It’s been fun charting the progress of Xbox Live Arcade. Years ago, we only imagined that a title like Braid or The Maw could thrive on the platform -- unique, large games that either have something to say or speak through the brilliance of their gameplay. As XBLA matures as a platform, so do its rules. Prices are now higher than ever and the downloads are getting heftier. Just this month, Watchmen: The End is Nigh weighed in as the heaviest title -- a mammoth 1.2 GB. (And 20 bucks to boot.)
Despite Watchmen’s weight, we shouldn’t generally expect XBLA titles to get bigger. File limits, in the words of Microsoft (thanks to an Ars Technica report), are guidelines -- rules that can’t be broken unless Microsoft decides otherwise, like in the case of Watchmen.
"We have set Xbox Live Arcade game file limits as a general guideline,” Micrsoft told Ars Technica. “An important part Xbox Live Arcade is easy access, and keeping file size down is as equally important as is offering titles with superior gameplay. We weigh both considerations on a case-by-case basis, and will make exceptions when it makes sense to ensure the best customer experience.”
I have a feeling momma isn’t downloading many games on her Xbox 360 Arcade and sticking them onto a memory card, so perhaps we’ll see another small leap in file size. Microsoft should couple that imaginary size announcement with cheaper hard drives. I know; I’m a dreamer.
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
12 comments | showing # 1 to 12
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
5:20 PM on 03.09.2009
| 
Also, picture text should be more along the lines of. "Huge download, filled memory card with one game. Next time, must purchase better SKU."
@tsunamikitsune: My demo download was fine. I actually unlocked the full game earlier too, and didn't encounter any problems whatsoever.
If we can't put this huge file on XBLA, we only put it on PSN.
The 360 Arcade is a farce. That SKU is only there to sell more consoles and not to make consumers happy.
But isn't it bloody ridiculous to release an "Xbox ARCADE" which comes without a HDD to store "Xbox Live ARCADE" games on? You're not going to get many on that 256mb internal memory!
The ONLY REASON for this "Arcade" SKU is so that they can put "from £129" at the end of their adverts - it's nothing but a marketing con, designed to target unemployed mum's on benefits who want a cheap way to keep their kids happy without actually having to bother bringing them up themselves.
Also, whoever paid £60 for a 120Gb hard drive, you got a damn good deal there, for an Xbox HDD at least. I'm currently looking at £60 for a 500Gb drive for my PS3. You would think that being nothing more than a PC squeezed into a little white box, the 360 would be perfect to accept standard parts???!?!? Although I suppose Microshaft are entitled to ALL of your money.