GDC: 360 gets memory stick boost; XBLA games get bigger
- March 05, 2007 12:32 PM PST
- Email this!
Microsoft starts off GDC 2007 by announcing a bigger memory unit for the Xbox 360 and a size limit increase for Live Arcade games to match.
By Frederick Cannon
Microsoft kicks off this year's Game Developers Conference with two announcements concerning the Xbox 360: plans for a 512MB memory unit for the console, and a size limit increase for games on Live Arcade.
The planned memory unit will be available from April 3rd, and will be priced at $49.99 USD. For a limited time, these units will be pre-loaded with a copy of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. The current 64MB stick will likewise see a price drop to $29.99 USD. No info on a European or Japanese equivalent product is available as of yet.
This news falls in line with Microsoft's second announcement, which sees the maximum size limit for downloadable games on Live Arcade increasing from the standard 50MB to a sizable 150MB, effective immediately. Observant gamers will have noticed that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was the first game on XBLA to exceed the previous size limit, and all future games on the service will now have the same cap of 150MB.
"If you take a look at current games like 'Roboblitz' and 'Small Arms,' it's clear that our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size limit," stated Xbox Live Arcade product unit manager Chris Early. "Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development."
