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.
