The Xbox Live Arcade file size was capped at 50 MB to accommodate consumers who purchased the hard drive-less Xbox 360 Core SKU (those consumers had to use one of Microsoft's memory cards).
Under condition of anonymity, sources revealed that the file size for Xbox Live Arcade titles has been increased from 50 MB to 250 MB and with Microsoft's approval, that size can be expanded to 450 MB.
When asked for comment on the reported change to file size, Microsoft said, "We do not comment on rumor and speculation and so we can not confirm that rumor. Aside from the exception we granted for 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,' we have not announced any plans to alter the file size standard for Xbox Live Arcade games. However, adjusting the size limit is certainly an option in the future, and as always, we are listening to feedback both from gamers and developers on what will provide the best user experience. Whatever choice we make, we will hold a position that provides for the best possible Xbox Live Arcade gameplay experience."
The din of negative feedback got awfully loud when Microsoft and Q Entertainment partitioned Lumines Live! into a series of downloads. Part of the reason the software was divided into chunks was to accommodate the download size (the other part being the increased opportunity for both Microsoft and Q Entertainment to make money). Today, Microsoft announced the availability of new Lumines Live! content on the Marketplace next week. The free download of Heavenly Star (for Gold users) and reduced prices for a limited time on the content packs are olive branches from Microsoft and Q Entertainment.
But what about Core pack owners who don't have hard drives? Circumstantially, it'd seem like they are out of luck. They won't be able to download the games to their memory card and depending on how big the game is, they likely won't be able to download the demo either.
Under condition of anonymity, sources revealed that the file size for Xbox Live Arcade titles has been increased from 50 MB to 250 MB and with Microsoft's approval, that size can be expanded to 450 MB.
When asked for comment on the reported change to file size, Microsoft said, "We do not comment on rumor and speculation and so we can not confirm that rumor. Aside from the exception we granted for 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,' we have not announced any plans to alter the file size standard for Xbox Live Arcade games. However, adjusting the size limit is certainly an option in the future, and as always, we are listening to feedback both from gamers and developers on what will provide the best user experience. Whatever choice we make, we will hold a position that provides for the best possible Xbox Live Arcade gameplay experience."
The din of negative feedback got awfully loud when Microsoft and Q Entertainment partitioned Lumines Live! into a series of downloads. Part of the reason the software was divided into chunks was to accommodate the download size (the other part being the increased opportunity for both Microsoft and Q Entertainment to make money). Today, Microsoft announced the availability of new Lumines Live! content on the Marketplace next week. The free download of Heavenly Star (for Gold users) and reduced prices for a limited time on the content packs are olive branches from Microsoft and Q Entertainment.
But what about Core pack owners who don't have hard drives? Circumstantially, it'd seem like they are out of luck. They won't be able to download the games to their memory card and depending on how big the game is, they likely won't be able to download the demo either.
