Must a Xbox360 game work without a hdd?

[MistaPi]

I'm a little confused. I believe Premier Manager 2006 require a harddrive and on Xbox.com it says:

While most games do not require the use of the hard drive to work, many harness its streaming capabilities and data-caching features to improve performance. In other words, your games play smoother, often with shorter load times.

But then some developers complains about how they can't be reliant on a harddrive. Like how Uncharted would be very difficult on Xbox360 because they have to make it work without a harddrive.

 

[Skrying]

Not every Xbox 360 ships with a hard drive, there in lies the developer comment as they can't be reliant on the hard drive (sorta). They can of course make it a requirement but then they must be aware of the smaller install base.

 

[AlNom]

It's not mandated by Microsoft, but developers/publishers should (naturally) consider any potential sales loss due to making it a requirement to play the game.

 

[MistaPi]

Ok, thanks. Thats what I thought.

 

[woundingchaney]

What is the relevant hdd install base though?? Wouldnt it be safe to assume that approx. 95% of users have the hdd with their 360 (if not more). I can readily see games being hdd mandatory in the future (as I believe one already is).

 

[rekator]

What is the relevant hdd install base though?? Wouldnt it be safe to assume that approx. 95% of users have the hdd with their 360 (if not more). I can readily see games being hdd mandatory in the future (as I believe one already is).

The only official authorisation for HDD requirement, now, is for MMO…

 

[Arwin]

The only official authorisation for HDD requirement, now, is for MMO…

Thanks. I was starting to think I completely missed some new developments.

 

[JPT]

I am quite sure I saw a football (soccer) manager game for the 360 that showed HDD as a requirment to play on the box.

 

[TheBlackLodge]

Indeed, Footy Manager 07 did and 08 will as well. I seem to recall reading that the forthcoming FPS Borderlands will require it as well.

 

[mjdted]

What is the relevant hdd install base though?? Wouldnt it be safe to assume that approx. 95% of users have the hdd with their 360 (if not more). I can readily see games being hdd mandatory in the future (as I believe one already is).

Last time I heard the ratio was about 80:20 to hdd/non-hdd equipped 360's.

 

[Rangers]

It's not mandated by Microsoft, but developers/publishers should (naturally) consider any potential sales loss due to making it a requirement to play the game.

I believe it is mostly mandated by MS that games run without the HDD. I remember a Shane Kim interview mentioned GTA4, and the supposed rumors it was HDD only, and he said MS would "push back" if Take Two attempted that.

 

[Colourless]

MS doesn't want their star system selling titles to require a Hard Drive. It would ruin the business model as the Core/Arcade wouldn't be able to play them, forcing up the effective price of entry.