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Microsoft takes axe to XBLA games prices

Written by Rene Millman
Sunday, 02 September 2007
Is it the popularity of the Wii and its Virtual Console that is making Microsoft cut the prices of its games on its Xbox Live Arcade? It's just that for a short time four arcade titles are going for half the normal price. It began at midnight on Sunday and will continue until a minute before midnight on Monday and lucky Live punters will be able to purchase a selection Arcade titles for 50 per cent of the usual price. On offer are the multiplayer action title Small Arms (costs 400 Microsoft Points instead of 800 points), puzzle game Zuma Deluxe (was 800 now 400 Microsoft Points), the classic dungeon title Gauntlet (now going for 200 Microsoft Points) and 1980's classic Dig Dug (also 200 Microsoft Points - for a limited time). The Redmond giant (who also flog mouses and operating systems) will also be launching two Live titles next week - the arcade classic Cyberball 2072 and SNK fighting game, Fatal Fury Special. Of course there is speculation in the media that Microsoft is trying out lower prices to see if they can increase revenues. If they do, we can all look forward to cheaper XBLA games. The knock-on effect might be cheaper Wii Virtual Console games. Which would be good!