Summer of Arcade is a Smash Hit For XBL

Recession? What recession? 1 vs 100, Shadow Complex, and Trials HD led the way for one successful summer for Xbox Live.

There's nothing about this press release that isn't Microsoft patting itself on the back and crowing about how awesome Xbox Live is, but you know what? I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for the moment, because there's some interesting stuff here:

-During its 13-week pilot season, 1 vs. 100 was downloaded more than three million times, making it one of the top ten most downloaded pieces of content on Xbox Live of all time.

-Of the top five fastest-selling XBLA titles, three of them were from this summer: Shadow Complex, Trials HD, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

-Shadow Complex and Trials HD in particular "eclipsed records" for most-downloaded single-player games. It's not clear how this is different from the above stat, as I'd certainly hope that the fastest-selling games overall would also be on the bestseller single-player list.

Anyway, this just supports the fact that in a lousy economy, people are looking for good, cheap, lasting entertainment - so spending $15 on a downloadable XBLA game is a lot easier to justify than dropping $60 on the latest summer releases (all three of them).

Full press release below:

Summer 2009 Sizzling Hot for Games on Xbox LIVE

You may be feeling the fall breeze in the air, but Xbox LIVE is still smoking from one hot summer.

Beginning with the first "1 vs 100" trivia question on June 1, 2009 and continuing through the launch of revolutionary Summer of Arcade title "Shadow Complex" on August 19, 2009, Xbox LIVE has delivered brand new ways to access, play and share games on Xbox 360.

"It's clear that we've had an incredibly successful summer, and the Xbox LIVE community loves the innovative gaming experiences we deliver" said Scott Austin, director of digitally distributed games on Xbox LIVE. "We are the leader in digitally distributed games, have the best partners in the industry and work closely with them to offer the best in downloadable content and entertainment."

Xbox LIVE delivers a new genre of entertainment: "1 vs 100"

A pioneering achievement in interactive entertainment, "1 vs 100" was downloaded nearly three million times during the 13 week pilot season, making it one of the top 10 most downloaded pieces of gaming content on Xbox LIVE to date. In fact, on average, more than half a million unique contestants competed in "1 vs 100" every week. And, up to 114,000 people in North America and 81,000 people in the UK and Republic of Ireland competed simultaneously in "1 vs 100 Live" shows. Featuring a live host, real prizes and regularly-scheduled programming, "1 vs 100" is a brand new genre of entertainment on Xbox LIVE. Get excited to hear more about season two...

A record breaking summer for Xbox LIVE Arcade

Xbox LIVE Arcade continued its tradition of industry-leading downloadable games with the second annual Summer of Arcade. This year's Summer of Arcade delivered a lineup of blockbuster titles that smashed nearly every record for the service, and even set a new monthly revenue record with an incredible 200% growth over last year's program. In fact, of the top five highest opening week sales ever on Xbox LIVE Arcade, three were from this year's Summer of Arcade, including "Shadow Complex, "Trials HD" and "Marvel vs. Capcom 2."

What's more, blockbuster breakouts "Shadow Complex" and "Trials HD" both eclipsed previous records for most downloaded single-player game in their opening weeks. Winner of more than 20 Editor's Choice and E3 Awards, "Shadow Complex" set a new standard for quality and depth in downloadable games, offering an immersive story and setting on par with full retail titles, at the value and convenience gamers have come to expect from Xbox LIVE Arcade. To top it all off, "Battlefield 1943" joined the leading ranks as one of the best selling Arcade games of the summer.

A brand new way to download with Games on Demand

Announced at E3 and launched just two short months later, Games on Demand on Xbox LIVE delivered a brand new way to access and download full Xbox 360 titles. Games on Demand provides convenient, 24 x 7 access to a growing online library of popular game titles. With more than 40 games in the global library, for the first time the community can browse and download a great selection of full Xbox 360 games from the comfort of their living room.

Get ready for "Joy Ride"

Xbox LIVE industry leadership doesn't stop there. This holiday, "Joy Ride" will debut an innovative free-to-play business model on Xbox LIVE and deliver an exclusive revolutionary gaming experience to the Xbox LIVE community. "Joy Ride" puts players' Avatars behind the wheel, offers rich customization options through micro-transactions to suit every personality, and is fun for people of all skill levels to jump in and share. Unlike any other gaming experience on Xbox 360, the world of "Joy Ride" will grow and change the more people play.

Xbox LIVE is the premier destination for blockbuster downloadable titles, value-priced entertainment, and inventive games that blur genre lines and provide all new ways to play.

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