Live Arcade retail possible - MS

July 3rd, 2006, 16:59 Posted By: wraggster

Last week Microsoft said it had nothing to announce to do with Xbox Live Arcade at retail - so naturally on Friday it said completely the opposite.

Speaking to IGN, a Microsoft spokesperson said, "we are exploring a retail offering of Xbox Live Arcade games".

"Once official details including titles, timing and pricing are finalised, we'll make a public announcement," the rep added.

Of course, Microsoft's new plan would actually mark a return to retail for Xbox Live Arcade titles, which originally began life as Xbox 1 premium content.

At the moment, the only way to play games like Geometry Wars, Outpost Kaloki X - and forthcoming titles Street Fighter II and Lumines Live - is to download them from Xbox Live Marketplace. Each costs around £5-10, with demo versions available.

Some have pointed out that it's likely any retail Live Arcade package aimed at those without Internet access will focus on full versions rather than demos that require online activation.

That said, it's possible to buy Microsoft points, the currency used to purchase items on Xbox Live Marketplace, in retail packages - so perhaps it's not quite so clear cut. And early reports on the retail package's contents suggest it's not entirely geared toward the disconnected gamer anyway.

Previous reports on an Xbox Live Arcade retail package, based on retailer murmurings, have suggested a compilation Geometry Wars, Bejeweled 2 Deluxe, Wik: Fable of Souls, Hardwood Backgammon, Outpost Kaloki X and Texas Hold 'Em Poker (as yet unreleased) along with a one-month Xbox Live Gold subscription.

There are 0 comments - Join In and Discuss Here