David Edery on XBLA file size limit being increased to 350 MB and more

Remember when we reported on a rumor that Microsoft will be increasing the file size of XBLA games? Well, Worldwide Games Portfolio Planner for Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) David Edery spoke up about this and more. To find out more, click on the “read more” link below which will send you to the full article.

In a recent interview, Worldwide Games Portfolio Planner for Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) David Edery spoke up about increasing the file size of XBLA games as well as his thoughts on developing video games for it and the importance of tech requirements.

First up, he pointed out that the plans to increase the file size of games on the Xbox Live Arcade to 350 MB is steadily progressing. He noted that it they’re being very cautious about this as they don’t want file sizes to “hit the roof”:

We’ve been listening to our partners, listening to our customers to try and get a feel for what’s right. We don’t want the size limit to hit the roof because we think there’s some value in promoting small pick and play experiences that don’t cost USD 20 million, it’s good for the ecosystem.

For those who haven’t been keeping up, the file size of the Xbox Live Arcade Games has been a point of contention between Microsoft and video game developers. While Microsoft has been known to make certain exceptions such as with some of Capcom’s bigger games, the limit has been pretty much set in stone.

Edery also spoke about developing games for the XBLA You probably already know that there are some developers such as Jeff Minter, the creator of Space Giraffe, who had a few problems with the certification process. He pointed out that the tech requirements are still a necessity:

Well, it wouldn’t be fair to say “Jeff is completely on crack”. Console development is just more difficult. Technical requirements are there for a reason, there’s a reason why consumers find it so easy and so enjoyable to play XBLA games. There’s consistency. Some of those things can be onerous, but the certification process serves a very important purpose.

From all indications Microsoft is being careful with any changes done to the Xbox Live Arcade. While this caution may seem excessive to some, it does seem to be working as can be seen with the quality of the games that are on the service.

Via GamesIndustry