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Microsoft Changes How Xbox Live Indie Games Are Rated

Posted by Soulskill on from the lighting-the-shade dept.

Two weeks ago we discussed news that some indie developers had found a way to manipulate ratings for their games on Xbox Live. Now, Microsoft has amended the rating rules so that only Xbox Live Gold members can rate such games through the service's website. "By implementing this change, we believe our customers will experience more consistent ratings and a significantly reduced potential for abuse across the entire Xbox catalog. We have also investigated rolling back suspect votes, however, we determined it will not be possible to do this. In addition, we are investigating users who may have violated their user agreement during this series of events."

5 of 39 comments (clear)

  1. What about Australia? by Freaky+Spook · · Score: 4, Informative

    We pay the frigging Gold Subscription per month & still can't get indie games. I want to have a fit playing Techno Kitten Adventure god damn it!

  2. Re:In other words by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The big difference is that we can't just trivially make loads of false identities for voting in national elections.

    Tell that to ACORN.

  3. How about only people who actually bought the game by Dorkmaster+Flek · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Seriously, that seems to be the obvious answer to your problems. Only people who actually bought the game can rate it. Tons of people have gold subscriptions anyway. You really think this limitation is going to prevent what happened with one game's users downvoting other games?

    --
    I like to think of online DRM as something akin to a college -- you pay for lessons until you learn something.
  4. How are state governments elected? by tepples · · Score: 3

    We pay the frigging Gold Subscription per month & still can't get indie games.

    As I understand it, AC is right: states have banned the sale of video games that haven't been locally rated. How are state legislatures and Attorneys General chosen in Australia?

  5. Re:In other words by Anubis+IV · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Your analogy kinda breaks down once you realize that there is infinite land that is available to anyone willing to put forward a mere $10 for the cheapest Gold subscription. Really, it's more analogous to them requiring voter registration and insisting that you provide identification for yourself when you vote so that you can't game the system...which is what usually happens today in the political system in America.