More details have slowly been coming in on the Xbox LIVE Arcade game delisting process. Following word that underperforming games on Xbox LIVE Arcade would be removed from the library, GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that the delistings will not begin until after summer. The article also notes that gamers and publishers will get 3 months notice prior to the delisting of the game, and this will only affect XBLA games (not Community Games created by XNA).
What we know so far on the XBLA delisting process:
- XBLA game will be removed from XBLA Game Library listing if:
• XBLA game is on Marketplace for 6 months
• Metacritic score is below 65
• Conversion rate below 6% (demo downloads that lead to a purchase).
- Purchased XBLA games that were delisted will always remain downloadable.
- They can still be purchased by receiving a “recommended game” notification from a friend.
- Three month lead notice, prior to delisting.
See the deathwatch list of XBLA games here.
Worried that one of your purchased Xbox LIVE Arcade (XBLA) games won’t be available for re-downloading after delisting? Microsoft’s Gamerscore Blog offers some reassurance. If you haven’t heard, Xbox LIVE Arcade games that fall into the following categories are possibly on the chopping block from the Xbox LIVE Arcade game library:
- XBLA game is 6 months old on Marketplace
- Metacritic score below 65
- conversion rate below 6% (demo downloads that lead to a purchase)
Keep in mind the word “delisting.” Although the underperforming games won’t be sold any longer, if you have previously purchased the game, it will still be available for download. So if your HDD or Xbox 360 dies, or you need to re-license the XBLA game on another Xbox 360, you will be able to download it. This comes from Microsoft’s Gamerscore Blog.
See a listing of Xbox LIVE Arcade games now on the “endangered species” list here. There are quite a few retro classics on there. While we don’t know the conversion rate on those games, they are older than 6 months on the XBLA and have a Metacritic score below 65.
