Xbox AU gives non-answer to inconsistent Games on Demand pricing

Last week we took a look at the new Xbox LIVE summer update, which hits today. One of the biggest new features you'll notice is Games on Demand, which allows you to pick up older Xbox 360 titles in digital form. Great idea in theory, however doesn't work so well for some folk, like Australians who have to pay nearly $100 AUD ($83 USD) for Mass Effect, for one example (there are many others to note), this versus the $20 tag for US gamers.

Australia, generally speaking, is in a bad way with its game industry; between the censorship, absence of classification for what we refer to as "Mature" titles, and a narrow mentality from the political end, it's not exactly the place to be if you're big into gaming. Prices are another negative element, typically much higher than in North America and Europe (though the latter often gets ripped on services like Steam along with Aus). However the $83 pricing is absurd even given the situation; Eb Games AU, for example, currently sells the boxed version for $49.95 AUD ($41.47 USD).

Microsoft headquarters responded to the situation, saying the Australian pricing is up to the Australian division, and so a response from Xbox AU was procured:

No one retailer has the lowest pricing for every product, and our program is about giving people 24 x 7 convenience and selection when shopping for Xbox 360 games.

We're incredibly excited about what Games on Demand means for digital distribution, and will continue to evaluate and evolve the service to meet market and consumer demands.

Translation: "We're trying to see how hard we can rip people on the convenience of digital distribution; if they don't bite, we'll lower prices." Thanks, Xbox AU!