Overpriced? Games on Demand titles revealed for Xbox 360

by Stevie Smith - Aug 6 2009, 15:45

Gaming for Xbox 360 owners is set to take a defined step into the realms of digital distribution with the introduction of the new online ‘Games on Demand’ service, which will be available through the Xbox Live Marketplace. And, in juicing up regional appeal for the platform, Microsoft has today revealed its launch titles for the United States and United Kingdom.

Due to roll out this coming August 11 – although not offering download access to new software releases at this juncture – expectant 360 owners looking to experience or revisit a modern classic or two can look forward to such titles as first-person shooters Call of Duty 2 and BioShock and sprawling role-playing epic The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Gamers in the U.S. should expect to have their temptation glands teased by the following:

Assassin’s Creed
BioShock
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 2
Dance Dance Revolution Universe
Fight Night Round 3
Kameo: Elements of Power
Karaoke Revolution American Idol Encore
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
Rainbow Six Vegas
Ridge Racer 6
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis
Sonic the Hedgehog
Test Drive: Unlimited
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Viva Pinata
Viva Pinata 2: Trouble in Paradise

And, those on the other side of the pond should expect their cramped hard drives to start crying at the prospect of receiving:

Assassin’s Creed
Burnout Paradise
Call of Duty 2
Fight Night Round 3
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Kameo: Elements of Power
Mass Effect
Meet The Robinsons
MX vs. ATV Untamed
Need for Speed Carbon
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
Perfect Dark Zero
Prey
Rainbow Six Vegas
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis
Sega Rally
Test Drive: Unlimited
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Tomb Raider Legend
Viva Pinata
Viva Pinata 2: Trouble in Paradise

In terms of specific per-download pricing attached to the initial list of available games, a Microsoft representative informed GameSpot that the company “aren’t detailing pricing by title quite yet, but Games on Demand titles will cost roughly the same as you would expect to pay for these titles in a retail store, from $19.99 to $29.99 (USD).”

Hmm, wow, that takes a little more shine off the service. No new games are available and prices will be the same as when purchase via a retail store. So where’s the incentive, Mr. Microsoft?

Essentially, downloading a digital version of a game deprives the buyer of owning a physical copy, which can be sold on, swapped or traded once played through. If the Games on Demand price is not lower than retail, then the only benefit the service offers is saving on shoe leather.

And, without wishing to be overly cynical regarding Microsoft’s chances of success with Games on Demand, online shopping also saves on shoe leather, and many of the games on the launch list can be purchased for less than the proffered price points.

For example, using approved Amazon.com traders Mass Effect can be secured for as little as $9.95 USD ($15.49 USD through Amazon itself), while the purchase price for Rainbow Six Vegas runs as low as $4.96 USD ($15.49 USD), and a new copy of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is selling for a paltry $1.75 USD.

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