Microsoft not ready for full digital releases
Kim plays down Live releases... for now
Speaking to Fast Company, Microsoft Game Studios boss Shane Kim has assured that the firm is still a long way from delivering full game releases in digital form on day one.
"When it comes to us saying we want Games on Demand to enable day-and-date release of new titles, then there's certainly a lot of work we would need to go through," Kim revealed.
"Were not anywhere close to that world today. We have great relationships with the retail channel - they're important partners. We sell a lot of hardware and software through retail channels. We have to be smart about how we approach this business."
Full games will be sold on-demand as part of this summer's Live update, although only historical releases such as Mass Effect will be offered in this form initially.
