Microsoft Claims Monthly Double-Digit Growth For Live Marketplace

In a new report, officials from Microsoft have claimed that revenues for Xbox Live Marketplace have been growing by “double-digit figures” each month since its introduction, though the company is still reticent to release actual sales figures. The article focuses on the availability of video and movie content via the service, with providers such as Paramount, New Line, Warner Bros., MTV, CBS, A&E and ABC all offering downloads. The service is currently only available in the U.S. but the most popular content, such as a high definition episode of South Park has been downloaded almost 400,000 times. To guard against piracy, consumers are generally given 24 hours to watch the content, before it is automatically deleted from the Xbox 360 hard drive. “We need to find viewers wherever they are,” quotes the article of Michele Ganeless, executive vice president and general manager of Comedy Central. “Some of them are firing up their Xbox rather than their cable box. They have so many entertainment options. Being on Xbox is a perfect way for us to reach them in their own environment.” Although Warner Bros. release Beerfest quickly rose to the top selling slot upon its release to the service, the article also suggests that Microsoft is keen to encourage more family orientated fare, with Nickelodeon shows such as Fairly Odd Parents due to debut on the service, as well as cinema hit Happy Feet.