X360 Full Games Facebook

As part of its E3 introductions, Microsoft has said it will add both a full game download service as well as social networking components. Tentatively called Games on Demand, the former will give gamers the option of buying entire Xbox 360 games that then exist solely on the console's hard drive. Buying itself will also be easier and, for the games alone, will allow purchasing directly with a credit card instead of having to first buy Microsoft Points.

Prices should match the current retail worth of the games. Microsoft intends to launch the service in the fall with about 30 games but will add more games by the week. Company officials haven't said how they expect the retail game business to react to the service; many of these have vehemently opposed direct-download games.

Communication is also touted as improved on the Xbox through the additions of Facebook and Twitter support. In both networks, users will have the option of viewing their respective feeds and adding posts of their own. Facebook owners will also have the option of browsing photo collections and of linking their Facebook accounts to Xbox Live, making it easier for Facebook connections to play against each other. Both of these services should also appear in the fall. [game download info via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff