Microsoft Preps Xbox Live Marketplace
First content ready to be bought just as soon as you lug that curvy box and its mammoth power adapter home.
Not only does 2 December mark the arrival of the Xbox 360 and its 15 launch games, but it also heralds a new era for online gaming as the all-new Xbox Live goes live. And to make sure that you check out what it has on offer, Microsoft has a raft of content sitting in the wings.
From day one, you'll be able to get at extra content for all the Xbox 360 launch games. The content varies from game trailers and music to demos and in-game goodies such as pictures and logos.
This content will be available only through the Xbox Live Marketplace. If you want to buy anything from the online store, you'll first need to buy Microsoft points. For £17.50, you'll get 2,100 points, which, as an example, is enough to buy 14 game themes or about 10 in-game content packs (such as the Winter Warrior pack for Kameo: Elements of Power.
While there are free items (all game trailers and demos will initially be free), you'll have to get used to forking over points if you're planning on spending much time in the Xbox Live Marketplace.
For the next generation, Microsoft has split Xbox Live into two different services. The free Silver level gets you access to all the communication features and also gets you into the Xbox Live Marketplace while the subscription-based Gold level lets you play games online.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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