Microsoft is to
unveil a new Xbox
service that will allow users to download music videos and games, according to a
report in the Financial Times.
Xbox
Live Marketplace will launch with 400 downloads on 22 November, although
none of the initial games is expected to be a big-selling title. Those listed so
far include
Bejeweled and
Zuma, as
well as backgammon and card games.
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Microsoft claimed that the online store could be used to sell full console
games but that leading publishers have not yet decided to take up this option.
The software giant will also launch its own e-money system, known as
Microsoft Points. Cards will be sold for £13 containing 1,600 points which can
be used online to pay for games ranging from 150 to 800 points.
Ian
Fogg, broadband and VoIP analyst at
Jupiter Research,
said: "ISPs will want to know how they can benefit from this because they are
seeing declining revenue from broadband and they are very interested in how they
can monetise content like games and videos.
"My other thought is will Microsoft's download service be available to basic
Xbox users?"
Microsoft, however, seems most keen to ensure that the service will not "
disrupt" the retail channel.
Aaron Greenberg, marketing manager for
Xbox
Live, told the Financial Times: "Our arcade will deal with smaller
games; we are not disrupting the retail channel."
The service will offer free demonstrations of popular games including
Electronic Arts'
FIFA
'06 football title and a King Kong game.
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