The Xbox Live Arcade service was officially announced on May 12, 2004, at Microsoft’s E3 press conference by Bill Gates [1] and launched on December 3, 2004, for the original Xbox game console.[2] The XBLA software was obtained by ordering it on Microsoft’s website. It was sent by mail on a disc that also contained a free version of the Ms. Pac-Man video game. [3]
To generate greater publicity for the service, the disc was also distributed with special issues of the Official Xbox Magazine and as part of the Forza Motorsport Xbox console bundle[4] The service launched with six titles and expanded its library to twelve titles by the end of the year.[5] Once connected to Xbox Live, customers could purchase additional titles by using a credit card, or download a limited trial version of a game. Prices for the games range from $4.99 to $14.99.[6]
Xbox Live Arcade