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Console gaming makes a big step toward the digital distribution age with the arrival of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Games On Demand service next week – though the launch line-up confirms that new titles will not figure… for the time being at least.
The new service will allow gamers for the first time to buy full retail games directly over Xbox Live, though recent Live Arcade releases such as Battlefield 1943 are already blurring the distinction between the scope of retail and digital releases.
The list comprises some Xbox 360 launch titles such as Kameo and Perfect Dark. Newer titles include Viva Pinata 2, LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Assassin’s Creed and Burnout Paradise – though none of these can be considered ‘recent’.
Pricing details have not yet been revealed, though it has previously been indicated that prices will be ‘in-line’ with retail – though whether that means full RRP or current market value is yet to be seen.
Games On Demand will also bring with it the capacity to buy titles via real currency using credit or debit cards, ending the necessity to purchase Microsoft Points.
Microsoft’s Shane Kim assured retail last month that we’re still some way from seeing simultaneous retail and download releases, though he did hint that it’s a strategy all involved are investigating.
Here’s the launch line-up in full:
Assassin’s Creed
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 2
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Fight Night Round 3
Kameo: Elements of Power
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Mass Effect
Meet The Robinsons
MX vs. ATV Untamed
Need for Speed Carbon
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Perfect Dark Zero
Prey
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis
Sega Rally
Test Drive: Unlimited
Tomb Raider: Legend
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas
Viva Piata
Viva Piata 2: Trouble in Paradise
The service goes live on August 11th.
