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Paul Loughrey at gamesindustry.biz:
Microsoft has announced plans to further integrate its Xbox Live Marketplace service into games, producing “consumable” items that users must pay for, such as in-game currency.The controversial strategy could mean that once consumers had purchased a full price title, they would need to fork out more money to buy exclusive in-game items.
Differing from content such as expansion modules, extra levels and new characters which have proven to be a hit with players of games like Oblivion, the consumable items would have a limited lifespan. A suit of armour, for example, would eventually disintegrate in-game and the player would have to pay more money to replace it.
Virtual consumables - what a plan! Hexus Gaming says:
Excuse me for being cynical but if I’ve paid for something I sure as hell don’t want to give it back or pay for it again.
In less contentious Xbox 360 news, Microsoft’s John Porcaro clears up some speculation about the upcoming add-on Xbox 360 HD DVD drive that was displayed last week:
I’m seeing lots of speculation about our upcoming HD DVD Player, and whether we have plans to publish HD DVD games. The answer is no.Since announcing the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player accessory at E3 2006, we’ve been clear that it is designed exclusively for playing HD DVD movies. It will not play games on HD DVD.
