Kotaku
So Microsoft announce an Xbox Live Marketplace CRACKDOWN. Americans are non-plussed, but a lot of people elsewhere got kind of upset that they could no longer buy movies and shows that they'd, you know. Been paying for. No doubt sensing this, Microsoft are attempting to calm irate users in places like the UK by explaining themselves. Michael Newey, Group Product Marketing Manager for Xbox Europe:
...unfortunately we are legally required to ensure that all content on Xbox Live is only available for download in the country in which it is licensed. If we don't we may not be able to continue providing quality content. We're not trying to stop people getting the content they want - we're trying to ensure that we can continue to provide great content on Xbox Live, and bring that content to other countries in the future. I should also point out that licensing agreements like this are standard practice in the entertainment industry.
He follows this by again stating that they have absolutely no idea when the video marketplace is going to be rolled out in other regions.
No idea, huh? That's just what people want to hear. I can't help but think it might have been better to hold off launching the service until it was good to go in at least a few other major markets. Because as it stands, it's making a lot of European, Australian, Canadian and...well, every 360 owner who's not American feel like second-rate consumers. Not exactly prize-winning PR, that.
More on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Content [Gamerscore]
