XBLA Delisting Storm Passes

Now, some of these newbees rattle on about "what if this happens", "what if that happens". This is the brain case, I tell them: make good use of it.

Roughly two weeks ago, Microsoft mentioned in an interview that 'underperforming' Xbox Live Arcade titles might be "delisted" (story). They went on to explain that this could apply to games that fit all of three categories:

• Lower than 65% rating on Metacritic
• Available for at least six months
• A conversion rating of less than 6%

Many fans wrote to us worried that this would include Wing Commander Arena, which fits the first two categories. The third category, unfortunately, is not available to the public in any form (and can be skewed in any direction by Microsoft, should the desire exist).

This announcement was met with surprising vehemence by the ordinarily cynical gaming public - Microsoft has since backtracked and promised several things: the games which are 'delisted' will remain playable and re-downloadable by their current owners (story)... and, in fact, will remain available for purchase through the online store (just not in their original categories).

So, what does this mean? Absolutely nothing - you already own Arena, you can still play Arena... and if the game is "delisted" (and there is a strong suggestion that it will not be) then you'll still be able to get it if you don't already have a copy. In short, much ado about nothing.