Xbox One removes demo requirement for downloadable games

On Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE Arcade games were required to have a demo. Things are changing a bit with the Xbox One as Microsoft adopts the "games are games are games" approach. For starters, the Xbox One is ditching Microsoft's requirement that all Xbox LIVE Arcade games offer a demo.

"Not all games will have demos like Xbox Live arcade games have had on Xbox 360," Microsoft's Marc Whitten told IGN. "That said, we are going to work on lots of ways to make it easy for you to find and try new games on the service."

As most are already aware, Microsoft is doing away with the Xbox LIVE Arcade section on Xbox One, choosing to lump all games (arcade titles, indies, retail, etc.) all into giant pool with the option to find games organized "in the same pivots (most popular, new, etc.). Additionally, Whitten explained that by adopting this "games are games" mentality, "You'll see digital content flowing into the system constantly."

Does this mean they will abandon the schedule that sees digital downloadable games release on Tuesdays and XBLA titles on Wednesdays? Whitten maintained Microsoft "will continue to run different programs — like Summer of Arcade on Xbox 360 for instance — as well."

While demos are no longer a requirement, I can't see many XBLA titles not offering them. Smaller titles often have a harder time getting into the public eye, so demos often provide players a free opportunity to try a game they may not otherwise would've noticed.