Microsoft allows XBLA devs to offer more Achievements, Gamerscore points

Newsbrief: Microsoft has increased its Achievement and Gamerscore limits for Xbox Live Arcade releases for the first time since the features launched, doubling the amount of points developers can reward to players. Achievements and Gamerscore points are often used to motivate players to complete specific goals, keeping them engaged and making them continue playing games longer than they would have if there weren't any Achievements. Developers were previously limited to offering 20 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points in their XBLA games, but starting next month, they can offer 30 different Achievements and 400 Gamerscore points in their new titles. According to a policy change noticed posted by Microsoft's Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, the Gamerscore increase will be required for all new XBLA titles starting June.