With the airing of grievances (partially) out of the way, Microsoft has issued a few answers to commonly asked questions that have developed in the wake of the XBLA delistment announcement. The most important thing to note are that if you have purchased a game that is ultimately delisted, you will be able to download it again. Is it sad that I’m actually somewhat surprised?
What’s “conversion rate”?
When people download a trial XBLA game, and then purchase that game, that’s called a conversion. So if less than 6% of all trials downloaded lead to full game purchases – that’s one of the 3 criteria we look at when deciding to delist a game.
Why are you delisting games?
We have a LOT of XBLA titles onto the service. By filtering out the lower performing games, it will actually make it easier to find the games you really want.
If I bought a game, and deleted it, can I redownload it even if it’s been delisted?
Yes, you can. Go to Download History under the Account Management section of marketplace (far left blade).
Can I still play a game after it’s been delisted? What about playing online? What about leaderboards?
Yes, yes, and yes. The game will function normally even after being delisted. You can continue to play the game single and multiplayer, as well as use the leaderboards as you normally would.
Any other questions and feedback you have can be left at the Gamerscore Blog. They’ve promised to try and pass along feedback. Chances are they won’t be passing along the comments claiming that they’re moronic fools, so the more coherent your comment, the more helpful it will be.
7 Comments to Microsoft Answers a Few Questions Regarding XBLA Delisting
by: erathoniel
On May 24, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Why not include them, but put them in a different category than the better games?
For instance: Gold Games and Silver Games (Don’t think about account type restrictions, Microcrap), with Silver Games costing less, but Gold Games being superior?
by: Evismang
On May 24, 2008 at 8:22 pm
The problem with the conversion rate is that not everyone downloads the trial first. Will that factor into it? For instance, I bought N+. I didn’t download the trial for it. I knew that it was a game I wanted. Would that count against N+ because I didn’t convert? Or what about those people that want to try a game, so they download the trial, but don’t actually have the funds to buy it. Is that going to count against the game, even if it’s a good game? IMO, the game shouldn’t have to meet both of the requirements they put out. It should only have to meet at least 1. If it didn’t meet either, then I’d be okay with it being delisted.
by: Bounce
On May 24, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Oh ok, so if everyone else in the world dislikes a game you truly love, it’s gone for good? Wow, and people actually pay for this BS.
by: KyonoRocks
On May 25, 2008 at 3:31 am
“Oh ok, so if everyone else in the world dislikes a game you truly love, it’s gone for good? Wow, and people actually pay for this BS”
Hmm logic seems to fly right over your head doesn’t it? XBLA isn’t here to make the world a better place, it’s part of a business plan.
by: XMY
On May 25, 2008 at 4:18 am
The game DOES NOT disappear, It’s still on your X360 and you can play it all you want. But chances are, if no one else in the word plays it, taking it off the listing is a GOOD thing…
by: Donny
On May 25, 2008 at 5:36 am
You do know that most games on XBLA are pretty crappy. So this is a good thing.
by: SpiralGray
On May 25, 2008 at 10:50 am
Maybe they should lower the f’in’ price of some of the games, that might get the conversion rate up.