No 360 releases for games that release first on other platforms
Microsoft explains their XBLA publishing policy
Microsoft has given their reasoning for not allowing games to launch on XBLA after they have seen a release on another platform.
Their online policy demands that any multiplatform downloadable title must launch simultaneously on all platforms if they want to be released on XBLA.
The policy reads: "Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other videogame platforms, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc with other platform versions in all regions where the title is available. If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360."
Chris Lewis, VP of interactive entertainment at Microsoft explains: "We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect our own space as best we can and get exclusivitywe seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible. Honestly - and this is going to sound a bit contrived - we just want what our consumers want from us. We want to be where they want us to be. We want the quality bar of what they experience from us to continue to go up. I think it has to happen; everybody's got to do that. If we want to continue to command healthy average selling prices, which we all do, that which we offer our consumers has got to keep getting better."
The policy has killed the prospects of 360 gamers getting their hands on some great indie titles like the exquisitely drawn PC graphic adventure Machinarium.
Thanks Eurogamer.
