Xbox Gaming in South Africa

It seems Microsoft takes quite a firm stance when it comes to publishing cross-platform games on the Xbox 360, with the firm apparently demanding not only release date parity with competing platforms, but also that the Xbox 360 versions have at least the same content, if not better.

That's the way it comes across based on a snippet taken from Microsoft's Content Submission and Release Policy, as reported by Eurogamer. 

Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other video game platform, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc with the other video game platform versions in all regions where the title is available. If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360.

The policy obviously extends to Xbox LIVE content too, stating that such content "must simultaneously release on Xbox Live Marketplace in all regions where the game is available," while demos "must ship within the same week of its launch on other video game platforms or via magazines".

In an interview with Eurogamer, Microsoft's Vice President of Interactive Entertainment Chris Lewis was asked about the policy when it comes to releases and feature parity for Xbox LIVE Arcade titles.

"We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect our own space as best we can and get exclusivity," said Lewis. "Whilst I can't be specific about the terms and conditions, you can be very confident we seek to maximise our own advantage to ensure the playing field is even, and certainly plays to our advantage wherever possible."

Referring to the possibility of PSN-exclusive titles finding their way to Microsoft's console, Lewis didn't shut the idea down completely, but it doesn't sound very likely either.

"We're not keen to do it. I wouldn't say never. We wouldn't be specific about that. But I'd be surprised if we saw that as something we'd encourage," explained Lewis. "But, honestly, and this is going to sound a bit contrived, we just want what our consumers want from us. We want to be where they want us to be. We want the quality bar of what they experience from us to continue to go up."

So, at the end of the day, it's all in our best interests? Apparently so.

"It's great for everyone, and it makes for a very healthy race to higher and higher levels of quality of game experiences."