Xbox 360 to launch Live Marketplace

Iria · Nov 15, 2005, 07:50 AM

Xbox 360 is launching in just a few days, and Microsoft is announcing more information about the Xbox 360 services. The company will soon launch Xbox Live Marketplace, where gamers will be able to choose up to 400 items.

Right now, the Xbox 360 games will be available to download on November 22nd, the same day as the Xbox 360 launch. However, some publishers are not quite ready for this new digital distribution. Microsoft also doesn't want to risk alienating current retailers either.

Financially, here's how Microsoft is hoping to do with the Xbox 360 Marketplace. As some of us know, Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division lost nearly $4 billion dollars (yes, I did say four billion) during the past four years. That's about a $1 billion loss per year.

With the new Xbox 360 Marketplace, Microsoft will earn revenue sales from the Xbox 360 console and the games they produce at Microsoft Studios. They will also collect royalties from the Xbox 360 game publishers. In addition to all that, there are 2 million members worldwide that play each other over the internet by paying subscription fees.

As a bonus, the new Marketplace will offer free interactive demonstrations of popular games. Music videos from rock bands Franz Ferdinand and Audioslave are mentioned as participants. The Xbox 360 online service opens up another channel where Microsoft can sell and delivery quality digital entertainment for the home.
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Source: GameSHOUT

Nov 15, 2005, 07:50 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Xbox 360 to launch Live Marketplace Xbox 360 is launching in just a few days, and Microsoft is announcing more information about the Xbox 360 services. The company will soon launch Xbox Live Marketplace, where gamers will be able to choose up to 400 items. Right now, the Xbox 360 games will be available to download on November 22nd, the same day as the Xbox 360 launch. However, some publishers are not quite ready for this new digital distribution. Microsoft also doesn't want to risk alienating current retailers either. Financially, here's how Microsoft is hoping to do with the Xbox 360 Marketplace. As some of us know, Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division lost nearly $4 billion dollars (yes, I did say four billion) during the past four years. That's about a $1 billion loss per year. With the new Xbox 360 Marketplace, Microsoft will earn revenue sales from the Xbox 360 console and the games they produce at Microsoft Studios. They will also collect royalties from the Xbox 360 game publishers. In addition to all that, there are 2 million members worldwide that play each other over the internet by paying subscription fees. As a bonus, the new Marketplace will offer free interactive demonstrations of popular games. Music videos from rock bands Franz Ferdinand and Audioslave are mentioned as participants. The Xbox 360 online service opens up another channel where Microsoft can sell and delivery quality digital entertainment for the home. ___________ Source: GameSHOUT