Microsoft E3 2009 press conference addendum
Microsoft didn’t have enough time to mention everything during the press conference. One of my many Crispy operatives on the ground passed along some choice bits of information that you’ll want to hear about.
Microsoft revealed after the press event that itr will be offering Games On Demand, which consumers can buy directly with a credit card. The full retail games on demand will include Mass Effect, BioShock, Assassins Creed, LEGO Star Wars, Oblivion, Civilization Revolution, Sonic the Hedgehog, Call of Duty 2, Viva Piñata, Crackdown, Burnout Paradise Ultimate, etc. - 30 in all to start out. No details on whether this will be an outright purchase only or if there will be some rebtal or pay-to-play type of pricing model. The Games on Demand will also feature a user rating system.
Another thing that sounds interesting is “in-game awardables.” These awardables will serve as special awards that give your avatar extra gear. For example, doing something in Halo 3: ODST might give you ODST armor, props, etc. My operative mentioned little baubles like Pom Poms, a radio controlled Warthog (remote-control car),your avatar against a Halo backdrop, etc. There was also the mention of Store Front where players will be able to purchase things like Halo T-shirt for you avatar.. Interesting stuff. Microsoft seems to be moving towards offering smaller consumer goods and extras in select games.
A more robust list of upcoming Xbox Live titles was revealed. They include Splosion Man, Shadow Complex, TMNT Turtles in Time Reshelled, The secret of Monkey Island Special Edition, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, Joy Ride, and Trials HD.
Finally a word on “No download no delay 1080p.”
The current standard is Progressive download using download, while the new technology uses constant streaming. This allows the user to skip forward and back the way you would with a DVD or Blu-Ray disc.
