Microsoft Confirms 2 GB Size Limit For XBLA Games

[Raptor]

From gamasutra.com:

When Xbox Live Arcade originally debuted, Microsoft told game developers that their games couldn't exceed 50 MB in size. Microsoft wanted the games to be easy and quick to download, and that the games be fast, simple, pick-up-and-play experiences.

But Microsoft this week confirmed that, after numerous previous size increases, the size limit has been raised once again, now to a full 2GB, or 40 times that original size. "We are always working closely with our partners to deliver innovative and high-quality Xbox Live Arcade games to our community," a Microsoft rep said in a statement.

The confirmation follows a Tokyo Game Show report from consumer site IGN, that said the 2GB size limit is final, reportedly a technical limitation of XBLA's file structure. Larger games are downloadable on Xbox Live's Games On Demand service, where users can download full-sized retail games like Mass Effect and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Full Story: gamasutra.com

[Omgporn]

Looks like they're trying to target the PSN's games rather than selling us Tetris clones for £10.

[kjun]

Im quite happy so long as they stick to providing a trial of every game first. I've spent loads on games from xbox live, the psn and to a lesser extent wiiware. It is annoying not being able to try most of the games on the other systems first.

[lithho]

Im quite happy so long as they stick to providing a trial of every game first. I've spent loads on games from xbox live, the psn and to a lesser extent wiiware. It is annoying not being able to try most of the games on the other systems first.

totally agree with this, the only reason i have any wii ware games is cause got them from other souces

[beansontoast]

I've got a 120GB hdd on mine but now, finally, they must sort out a cheaper upgrade if their live arcade games are getting bigger.

[kjun]

totally agree with this, the only reason i have any wii ware games is cause got them from other souces

I haven't modded any of the current generation of home consoles, I think I've only bought one wiiware game "Lost Winds", I've bought a bunch of VC games though. There have been quite a few wiiware releases that I was tempted by, but without playing them first I'm reluctant to hand over my points.

[kjun]

I've got a 120GB hdd on mine but now, finally, they must sort out a cheaper upgrade if their live arcade games are getting bigger.

Agree with this as well, I havent upgraded to 120gb yet because of the price, would be nice to see a better option. I upgraded the drive in my ps3 'just because I could' ages before i actually run out of space, I think I have about 2gb on my xbox free, but I'm holding out till the bitter end on upgrading that

[debug77]

I think Red Alert Commander's Challenge from a few weeks ago was 2GB or there abouts wasn't it? How times have changed from 50mb!

[russbeer]

so long as the prices don't go up along with the file size I'm happy with that, although I'll only have room for about 3 of them!

[lithho]

so long as the prices don't go up along with the file size I'm happy with that, although I'll only have room for about 3 of them!

my 20 gig drive is always full now, ive ordered the 250 gig modern warfare console, that should sort all my storage problems out lol