Download the entire XBL Marketplace catalogue for only $897.38 -- act now!
Besides building a helpful guide that features all currently available items on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Achieve360Points.com has calculated the total cost* of the service's premium content. The entire catalogue is yours to own for just 71,790 Microsoft Points. That's $897.38.
That number is poised to grow exponentially as developers/publishers begin to explore the 'episodic content' formula (read: mini expansion packs). In this time of great paranoia, one can't help but feel suspicious of the micropayment structure. Are publishers purposely shipping incomplete titles? Will I be at a disadvantage if I don't buy the latest content? Why can't I trade it in when I'm through with it?
Our rational side would have us believe that these downloads simply offer a little more, for a little more, thus extending the lifespan of our favorite games. And, these downloads should always be about choice, not advantage. Still, we wonder who benefits most from this business model. Are gamers scoring cheap added value? Or is Microsoft pocketing a healthy profit - cut with publishers - to make up for losses? Could it be both?
*Achieve360Points.com notes that several of the items are counted more than once due to multiple listings. Also keep in mind that Xbox Live Arcade titles are figured into the total cost.
