HDD usage

[Sfx7]

Can anyone tell me how the hard-drive is utilized in the current xbox (generally speaking taking into account that its mostly up to the game developers)? How and to what extent do you think the HDD will be utilized by developers in the 360?

[Justin Buser]

Current Xbox: A place for caching data, and also storing download content / add ons.

Xbox 360: The above, plus ways we probably haven't thought of yet.

Your question is a good one though, and I would interested in hearing other peoples thoughts - just how exactly will the HDD be utilised in the XBox360?

[blackmamba]

I am excited about the prospect of a level creator being supported by developers. Developers such as Sierra and Valve as well as Bethseda have all expressed interest in including their developing tool sets in the initial game package. Valve currently does this for their games such as half life and counter stirke/ team fortress on the PC. I think this would push xbl to a new level as well since any levels or maps that you create can be shared or sold in the xbl market place to be enjoyed by others. This is also another way MS can win favor in the MOD communities...individuals could share their developing talent with thousands on xbl...and we already know that the developers are watching and willing to recrute new talent through the MOD community. The amount of customization to your gaming experience would be limited to only your imagination! That is an awsome prospect to me!

[RSFlux]

Developers such as Sierra and Valve as well as Bethseda have all expressed interest in including their developing tool sets in the initial game package.

To clarify, these developers have really only stated that they have plans to include those tools in the PC versions of their products. While they sometimes hint towards "thinking about" the console side, they have no real plans to do so. Perhaps with the Live marketplace some sort of regulated modding may be possible, but don't count on it too much.

As for uses from the origional XBox, it was also used to store high volume information that would overload the RAM. IE, Blinx used it to allow you to rewind the entire level back to the beginning (and even play alongside yourself). A lot of games also used to just for instant replays.

~Flux

[Sfx7]

Just as an aside, I notice square have announced that you must have the HDD to play Final Fantasy on the 360, obviously ignoring MS request to develop games keeping in mind the HDD may not be there. Good news for the gaming community who may have been feeling a little leftout with the HDD not being an integral part of every system. I wonder how many other developers will ignore MS request and develop games catering to the HDD version, esp considering the lack of interest in the core system in web poles?

[JAdlon85]

Game developers will have to make sure there games will work with the Hard Drive but will also work if the Hard Drive isn't their. But I think most people will be buying the Premium Version so they will have the Hard Drive.