ex-XNA member Weller about Xbox LIVE Community Games Options

[Xbox-Scene]

ex-XNA member Weller about Xbox LIVE Community Games Posted by XanTium | July 23 00:44 EST | News Category: Xbox360

From David "LetsKillDave" Weller's Blog: [QUOTE] People are buzzing about today's announcement that developers can start making money soon off their Xbox LIVE Community Games built using XNA Game Studio. Being an ex-XNA member, I can still say, without a shadow of doubt, that Microsoft is offering a groundbreaking game channel, and that some people stand a chance to make great money from the system. It's an exciting opportunity, but the danger for consumers lies in Microsoft's deliberate steps to avoid discussions regarding game quality, even during peer review. I firmly believe that avoiding commentary/ratings on game quality will result in frustrated consumers, who will have no way to discern the quality of a game among (ultimately) thousands. Of course, the game creator has the option of offering a trial game, but it will be interesting to see how many developers take advantage of that path, (as it is not required) [Edit: Peter Hatch points to a Wired article where Chris Satnchell states that a timed trial will be enabled by default, but my concern about te lck of quality indicators still stands]. I doubt consumers will get a refund for buying a sucky game either. Before anybody thinks I'm bashing the XNA team, please keep in mind that this is the same approach taken for Xbox LIVE Arcade games -- you're on your own to find genuine game reviews and ratings. The difference is that XBLA games have a higher standard for quality and consistency regarding the gaming experience. XBLA games have a large number of technical conformances to adhere to, which are tested by the XBLA team prior to its approval for release -- the Community Games has no such thing during the peer review (remembe, peer review is a check on the content, not on technical quality or gameplay quality). I think the upcoming plethora of games on the Commuity Games pipeline will only create more consumer confusion without them having a reliable guide [/QUOTE]

[pdx98]

I feel the same thing goes for regular games. There should be a demo of every game. I'd be pretty pissed if I bought Iron Man without playing the demo. That game sucks

[bucko]

I pretty much said this in an older thread...but in other words...seems if I say it again people will think I'm wrong.

[crobar]

this reminds me of the whole flash games craze...
there are a whole shit ton of flash games out there lots are garbage some are actually fun and a few rise above them all and become must play amazing acts of indy game creation.
The same will happen with xna there will be a lot of shit and some good and a hand full of awesomeness.

[Tiuk]

MS said they want XNA to be "youtube for games". Why not have everyone that buys a game rate it out of 5 stars? Seems simple enough.

[DMAddict]

This seems to fall right in line with MS thinking; hide all quality comments from consumers and let them figure out on their own after they paid for something shitty. Remember that little issue RROD.

[teamparadox]

This seems to fall right in line with MS thinking; hide all quality comments from consumers and let them figure out on their own after they paid for something shitty. Remember that little issue RROD.

Give me a break. This applies to almost all games. You think every game should have a review posted on XBL or PSN? If you need to look up a review for a retail game before you buy then im sure you can do the same here.

If you wanna whine about something why not whine about the fact that on PSN there are no demo's for those junk PSN exclusive titles. 1 of them (Pain) is somewhat decent but only for an hour or so. I didnt see any review or rating when I was browsing the store, nor was I offered a refund for the **** bowling game I bought off PSN.

Why should an XNA game be any different? Dont know if you should buy? Then use a forum and ask. Im sure since these people want to make money they will also make a trial version just like every XBLA game has. It only makes sense and since these games are coming from the community they know people want demo's and if they dont make one chances are its not a very good game.