Microsoft on the hunt for originality with Xbox Live Arcade

by Jared Rea { Mar 9th 2007 at 3:05AM }

In a self-sponsored session, Microsoft Senior Program Manager, Katie Stone Perez, laid out what they're looking for when it comes to new titles for Xbox Live Arcade. The six most important factors for a successful submission are worldwide appeal, cooperative play, multiplayer features, visual redesigns for ports, a family-friendly design and of course, paid downloadable content.

When it comes to family-friendly experiences, they don't mean they're looking for bubbly visuals or titles with easier difficulties, but the option to include different handicapping and kid-friendly tricks, scaling difficulty and the ability to continue in arcade titles. Microsoft is also looking towards more portable-like experiences, citing the recent boom in the pick-up-and-play nature of say, the Nintendo DS. Original, innovative titles are also a huge plus when it comes to pitching a title, so it would be best for developers to leave their dual-analog shooter at home. PomPom? You guys are just fine.

Now that you know what Microsoft wants from new Xbox Live Arcade titles, how about yourself? We'd personally love a release schedule, but that's just wishful thinking.

Tags: gdc07, seriouscat, xbla, xboxlivearcade

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Tom @ Mar 9th 2007 4:37AM

Question marks only work on underpants; they can't turn games into profit.

daddycool @ Mar 9th 2007 5:41AM

They want games that'll play both on XBLA and the Gen 2 Zune. Not surprised.

Rubang B @ Mar 9th 2007 6:14AM

Paid downloadable content is one of the most important factors for a successful submission?

::pukes::

::hides wallet::

is @ Mar 9th 2007 7:44AM

Nintendo's stratagy seems to be infiltrating the market.

Shame that the successful stratagies of their opponents havnt effected them at all.

Evan @ Mar 9th 2007 8:39AM

Phase 1: Microsoft needs to get some "Japanese Doujin Shmups". See:
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/japanese-homebrew-shmups-deciphered/

Phase 2: Open some game-addiction rehab facilities, they are going to need them.

Phase 3: Profit for Microsoft, and bliss for old-school shooter fans like myself.

Jon-Angelo @ Mar 9th 2007 9:31AM

I'd like more side-scrollers or more shooters (Raiden, 1948 etc) or even racing and fighting games. Come on Microsoft, this is Xbox Live "ARCADE", so, where are my "ARCADE" titles?

AT @ Mar 9th 2007 12:45PM

I really dont know why there is no chess game yet. That would be perfect for multiplayer. It would be cool to be able to change out the standard pieces with like Star Wars characters or other characters from diffent games. Also the killing animations could all be cool and unique. Where can I find out why chess is no an xbla game. Do I submit that to Major Nelson?