Da IGN
-------
Xbox 360 Consuming All
Spend more money now on Xbox Live Marketplace as Microsoft unveils "Consumables" initiative.
by IGN UK Staff
UK, August 16, 2006 - For anyone that really loves spending their hard-earned cash, Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace is like a dream come true. For example, having blown your wad once on your original game purchase, the obligatory follow-up content expansions offer infinite opportunities to splash even more dough. Sometimes, this actually works out quite well - see Oblivion's run of quality stuff like the Thieves Den swash-buckle-a-thon. Sometimes, it's a bit of a gip - see Oblivion's utterly rubbish horse armour pack.
Now however, Microsoft is set to launch its latest initiative, known as "Consumables" - unveiled at Gamefest 2006 by Xbox Live Marketplace business manager, Rohan Oommen - promising new and exciting opportunities to spend more money in increasingly diverse ways. Essentially, "Consumables" are in-game assets that can deplete and be re-purchased - think forking over cash for the equivalent in in-game currency, or paying for armour that wears down as you battle. Microsoft intends to incorporate this technology into its next Xbox 360 SDK update.
Additionally, Microsoft plans to integrate Marketplace more closely into games themselves, enabling players to purchase items in-game, via NPC vendors and the like. Initially, goods purchased during play will be stored in a 'shopping basket', with a visit to the Xbox Live Marketplace required to hand over your cash and complete the transaction. No word yet if you can skip that whole handing over real-world money thing by stabbing your friendly vendor in the face with your scabbard.
----
Ho capito che finche' ci sara' gente che si fa sfruttare, fanno bene a sfruttarla... ma un po' di pudore, andiamo![]()