Microsoft HQ has put out an open call to US gamers to sign up for a preview program launching sometime soon to test an “updated Xbox 360 disc format”. They’re also chucking in a free copy of Halo: Reach and “other possible rewards” to all successful applications.
According to a post over on Major Nelson’s blog, “This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products and we could not do so without the help of our great Xbox community”, and they’re looking to include “multiple thousands of participants”, although no further information is provided. The dirty tease.
Obviously, speculation is pretty hot just now. Currently, the Xbox disc format is a standard dual-layer DVD, theoretically capable of holding between 8.5 and 8.7 GB, but locked at around 7 GB for game data. Over on the PS3, of course, the console’s proprietary Blu-ray discs hold an immense 50 GB of data, supplying devs with much more space to play with.
Or it could just be some lame new security protocol.