Live Arcade size limit raised and some GDC announcements @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on March 05, 2007

News: You knew it was coming sooner or later.

Microsoft has announced they have raised the size limit of Xbox Live Arcade titles from 50 MB to 150 MB today. The change comes on the heels of the announcement that the 512MB Memory Unit will be available on April 3rd for $49.99. Naturally, this will cause the price of the 64MB Memory Unit to drop from $39.99 to $29.99.

The 512MB Memory Unit will also get gamers new to the XBLA off to a good start as each unit will include a copy of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved.

?The new size limit offers developers increased flexibility and continued opportunities for innovative game development, while also ensuring that the millions of gamers on Xbox Live can continue to easily access, download and play all Xbox Live Arcade games on Xbox 360,? said Chris Early, product unit manager for Xbox Live Arcade and Microsoft Casual Games at Microsoft. ?If you take a look at current games like ?Roboblitz' and ?Small Arms,' it's clear that our developers deliver amazing game experiences within a compact size limit. Our focus is on continuing to provide developers with an environment that allows for the creation of cost-efficient games and that nurtures an artistic and creative approach to game development.?

In other Xbox Live Arcade news, the Gamerscore Blog has revealed that the first XNA Game Studio developed title will be available by the end of the year.

It's coming from Torpex Games and it will be called Schizoid. Schizoid is a co-op action game in which "teamwork matters like never before, as gamers and their friend or AI ally protect each other from barrages of glowing enemies."

Finally, here's what XBLA games will be on display at this week's Game Developers Conference:

Boom Boom Rocket (EA and Bizarre Creations): This eagerly anticipated title from EA and Bizarre Creations is a hypnotic rhythm music game that will launch on Xbox Live Arcade this spring, priced at 800 Microsoft Points.

3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures (Sierra Online and Wanako Games): The first outdoor sports game on Xbox Live Arcade, 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures lets players putt their way through 36 fun-filled holes on wild courses that include settings such as the Classic Carnival and the fantastical Outer Space.

Eets: Chowdown (Klei Entertainment Inc.): A completely revamped version of the popular PC title, Eets: Chowdown offers a fun puzzle game experience unlike anything else available on Xbox Live Arcade, and features new items and 120 new levels.

Jetpac Refuelled (Rare Ltd.): This is a new take on Rare/Ultimate's 1983 classic space blaster with enhanced graphics and Xbox Live features; players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of more than 100 high-definition levels.

Pinball FX (ZEN Studios Ltd.): Pinball FX offers an unparalleled pinball experience that will be fun for novices and experts alike, with realistic ball physics and stunning 3-D tables. Pinball FX also features real-time, head-to-head competition over Xbox Live and Xbox Live Vision camera support.

We'll have more from GDC 2007 soon.