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Son Of LA · 01-19-2007, 08:56 AM

Microsoft Expands XBLA File Size to 250 MB
Apparently, the Burning Crusade isn't the only expansion in town.
By Luke Smith, 01/18/2007

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 to 1UP 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.

Recent reports indicated that Konami's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night exceeded the 50 MB download size by nearly double. At 96 MB, the file wouldn't fit on the 64 MB memory card. Speaking to GameSpot, Xbox Live Arcade Group Manager Greg Canessa explained why the now-adjusted file size was instituted in the first place, "By keeping the file size small for Xbox Live Arcade games, gamers can put one or more games on a memory unit and easily bring those games to a friend's house to share and play."

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. However, how many folks are out there downloading Live Arcade games without an HDD? It probably works out to a small percentage. We asked Microsoft about those users and the memory card issues that the console will face with this new expanded size for Live Arcade titles. Microsoft said "There is already one possible solution in the works for this category of gamer should we decide to increase the Xbox Live Arcade game file size from its current 50 MB limit. As announced at E3 last May, a larger Memory Unit is being developed which will allow gamers who do not own a hard drive to store and easily transport several Xbox Live Arcade games at a time. We have no further details to announce at this time."

With games potentially expanding to 450 MB, an oft-rumored 256 MB memory card (EB Games lists one for $59.99, expecting it to ship March 1) wouldn't be sufficient, either. If there is a memory card upgrade (and there will be, eventually) expect it to hold 512 MB of data.

Source: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156520

Grahf16 · 01-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Upping the cap is a great ass idea. I wasn't one of the cheapasses that skimped out and got a core, so it doesn't matter to me. For the core users, they'll probably have to get the HDD (It's better imo to just upgrade to the hdd).

With more space, they'll be able to go after some more PSX and Sega Saturn classics. I hope Guardian Heroes, Saturn Bomberman, XMen Vs. Street Fighter, Gunbound, Strikers 1945, and a shitload of other games make it to XBLA. Granted I have a bunch of those games for their respective systems, the problem lies in the fact that I want to play them in High Definition

FAME · 01-19-2007, 10:41 AM

thats a good idea...but im still wondering why they even released the core version...seems kinda pointless...and getting even MORE pointless as the xbox brand expands....you cant do anything wit a core...i mean a 60 dollar 256mb memory card?....if you cant afford an extra 40 dollars to get a harddrive then online gaming just isnt for you...let me get this straight...you buy a memory card to BUY arcade games....if you can buy those why cant you buy a hard drive?...lol, microsoft aint slick...their makin money off these dummies...

Grahf16 · 01-19-2007, 02:57 PM

The idea of a core version is pretty good. Somebody that wants to game NOW, but doesn't have the the extra bill. Later down the line, you can always upgrade to a premium. Most likely you'll pay more if you try to buy all the shit that comes with the premium (Hard Drive, Wireless controller, Headset, and Component A/V cables), but you still get the option to upgrade later.

01-19-2007, 08:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Son Of LA Rap GodFather Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 10,102	Microsoft Expands XBLA File Size to 250 MB Microsoft Expands XBLA File Size to 250 MB Apparently, the Burning Crusade isn't the only expansion in town. By Luke Smith, 01/18/2007 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 to 1UP 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. Recent reports indicated that Konami's Castlevania: Symphony of the Night exceeded the 50 MB download size by nearly double. At 96 MB, the file wouldn't fit on the 64 MB memory card. Speaking to GameSpot, Xbox Live Arcade Group Manager Greg Canessa explained why the now-adjusted file size was instituted in the first place, "By keeping the file size small for Xbox Live Arcade games, gamers can put one or more games on a memory unit and easily bring those games to a friend's house to share and play." 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. However, how many folks are out there downloading Live Arcade games without an HDD? It probably works out to a small percentage. We asked Microsoft about those users and the memory card issues that the console will face with this new expanded size for Live Arcade titles. Microsoft said "There is already one possible solution in the works for this category of gamer should we decide to increase the Xbox Live Arcade game file size from its current 50 MB limit. As announced at E3 last May, a larger Memory Unit is being developed which will allow gamers who do not own a hard drive to store and easily transport several Xbox Live Arcade games at a time. We have no further details to announce at this time." With games potentially expanding to 450 MB, an oft-rumored 256 MB memory card (EB Games lists one for $59.99, expecting it to ship March 1) wouldn't be sufficient, either. If there is a memory card upgrade (and there will be, eventually) expect it to hold 512 MB of data. Source: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156520

01-19-2007, 10:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
FAME Capo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DETROIT NIGGA!! Posts: 692	thats a good idea...but im still wondering why they even released the core version...seems kinda pointless...and getting even MORE pointless as the xbox brand expands....you cant do anything wit a core...i mean a 60 dollar 256mb memory card?....if you cant afford an extra 40 dollars to get a harddrive then online gaming just isnt for you...let me get this straight...you buy a memory card to BUY arcade games....if you can buy those why cant you buy a hard drive?...lol, microsoft aint slick...their makin money off these dummies... __________________

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01-19-2007, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Grahf16 Rap GodFather Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lone Star State Posts: 6,148	Upping the cap is a great ass idea. I wasn't one of the cheapasses that skimped out and got a core, so it doesn't matter to me. For the core users, they'll probably have to get the HDD (It's better imo to just upgrade to the hdd). With more space, they'll be able to go after some more PSX and Sega Saturn classics. I hope Guardian Heroes, Saturn Bomberman, XMen Vs. Street Fighter, Gunbound, Strikers 1945, and a shitload of other games make it to XBLA. Granted I have a bunch of those games for their respective systems, the problem lies in the fact that I want to play them in High Definition

01-19-2007, 02:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Grahf16 Rap GodFather Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lone Star State Posts: 6,148	The idea of a core version is pretty good. Somebody that wants to game NOW, but doesn't have the the extra bill. Later down the line, you can always upgrade to a premium. Most likely you'll pay more if you try to buy all the shit that comes with the premium (Hard Drive, Wireless controller, Headset, and Component A/V cables), but you still get the option to upgrade later.