Capcom exceeds XBLA file-size limit

By Tom Bramwell Published 14 March, 2008

Microsoft says it's a specific "exception".

Microsoft is letting Capcom go over the 150MB Xbox Live Arcade game file-size limit to ensure "complete feature and graphical parity" between the XBLA versions of Bionic Commando Rearmed and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and their counterparts on PlayStation Network.

"There had been some concerns, both from the producers and the public, that XBLA versions of both games may not be as super-duper as the PS3 versions," Capcom's Chris Kramer wrote on the company's US blog.

"Specifically, we had been concerned that the 1080p resolution art for SSFIIT HDR would not fit onto Xbox LIVE Arcade, while Ben Judd mused that the 360 version of BCR might not have the same hi-res textures as the PS3. Good news, everyone! Problems solved for both titles."

The larger file-size for the two games does not represent another change in Microsoft's file-size policy though, according to Capcom. "Microsoft has told us that their partners have been very happy with the file size for Xbox Live Arcade titles, and they do not see a need to change their policies anytime soon," Kramer writes.

However, "if a game warrants a file size exception, they'll provide one on a case-by-case basis".

Bionic Commando Rearmed is due out this May on PSN, XBLA and PC, while SSFII Turbo HD Remix has yet to be dated but will soon be released in beta form.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (21) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Xerx3s #1 4 years ago

    A size increase on the props? Last time a company went over the limit, they tripled the max size within months.

  • muscleblade #2 4 years ago

    Reduce the price of 120gig harddisk and you dont need such a low limit. The price is way too high.

  • Xerx3s #3 4 years ago

    Heh, why do you reckon ms finally made a profit? :p

  • Peew971 #4 4 years ago

    With the 360 Arcade so cheap now, they need to ensure people can store XBLA games on Memory Cards. I guess that's why they're not increasing the size limit.

  • Steroyd #5 4 years ago

    Another exception.

    Looks like any big publisher can make MS "make a specific exception"

  • Blerk #6 4 years ago

    The rule is very simple - 150mb is the limits, with NO exceptions. Unless the game is also appearing in potentially better form on PSN, that is. Then they'll allow just about anything.

  • Xerx3s #7 4 years ago

    Well, not really. They also allowed bigger games in the past that where exclusive. I think that if you can make a good case WHY you want to make it bigger, they won't simply go 'computer says no'. That said, PSN probably was the biggest argument.

  • CreepinJesus #8 4 years ago

    Capcom, you rebels.

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #9 4 years ago

    I guess it's a case of "try to keep it below 150mb but if you can't, meh"...

    I agree that a massively cheaper HDDs would render any limit redundant, however, especially as all Arcade users have 256mb to play with anyway.

  • bloodflowers #10 4 years ago

    If they didn't persist with this silly HD-less unit, it wouldn't be a problem. Amusing that the Arcade version is the least suited to XBLA games.

  • Darren #11 4 years ago

    Considering how Microsoft are so keen on distributing digital content, the decision to release an HDD-less Xbox 360 was clearly a rather silly idea on reflection as it not only restricts the potential market (there's only so many XBLA games you can fit even on a 512 MB memory unit) but it also compromises developers and the quality of their games. The PS3 seems to have a much larger size restriction (does it even have one?) and that means games like Warhawk, Tekken 5 Online, Wipeout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue are possible which certainly isn't the case for the Xbox 360. Sure you can download expansion packs for games, e.g. Shivering Isles and Tomb Raider: Anniversary episodes but not full standalone commercial games. The PS3 therefore are far more potential for digital distribution of games than the Xbox 360 which is somewhat ironic given how Microsoft have been pushing for it, wanting it to replace disc-based media! LOL

  • Darren #12 4 years ago

    Anyway I'm glad I own a PS3, I'll be buying Bionic Commando Rearmed for that platform not the 360 because it sounds like it'll be the least compromised version to me.

  • Arwin #13 4 years ago

    Yay for competition. See? Better for everyone.

  • Les #14 4 years ago

    "the decision to release an HDD-less Xbox 360 was clearly a rather silly idea on reflection as it not only restricts the potential market (there's only so many XBLA games you can fit even on a 512 MB memory unit)"

    Wouldn't call it silly. It was a quite deliberate decision: They make huge margins on the memory units. And they hoped the low cost (as in initial purchase price) unit would be a hit with the casual gamers. Unfortunately for MS Nintendo created the Wii and Sony still sells the PS2.
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/08 @ 10:12

  • miiiguel #15 4 years ago

    "Anyway I'm glad I own a PS3, I'll be buying Bionic Commando Rearmed for that platform not the 360 because it sounds like it'll be the least compromised version to me. "
    Why ? Is there any file restriction for "Bionic Comando" ? Is it an Arcade game ? I thought it is a full retail game, like Dead Rising, and Lost Planet and stuff...

  • Stuz359 #16 4 years ago

    File limits matter not to me. I will be getting SSFTIIHDREMIX (is that right?) on PS3 for one simple reason, the xbox 360's controller D-pad is the worst d pad for playing street fighter 2 on since the megadrive d pad. Snes pad is still the best though

  • SomaticSense #17 4 years ago

    Headbog, you own a 360 now? Since when?

  • CreepinJesus #18 4 years ago

    "Unfortunately for MS Nintendo created the Wii and Sony still sells the PS2."

    Is the PS2 still out-selling the PS3? That was quite a funny read when I saw that article...

  • Blerk #19 4 years ago

    The PS2 is still outselling the PS3 and the 360.
    Edited by 1 at 14/03/08 @ 13:09

  • BobsUncle #20 4 years ago

    You know why I hate Street Fiighter? It's because of stupidly long names like "Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix". What's wrong with calling it "Street Fighter 10".

    I guess it's because it's not really a new version but just extra crap shoveled in to an old title to sell more units and cash in.

  • Ryze #21 4 years ago

    @Darren

    The probelm is that you use the word 'potential'.

    Sony hardware has had the potential to do many, many things in the past, but Sony aren't the ones to make it happen - so we gave up waiting.