As promised by Microsoft in the upcoming latest Dashboard for Xbox 360, the currently allocated storage size for Xbox 360 game will receive a boost of 1 GB.The maximum space allocated to game data on the current disc format is just 6.8GB out of a maximum of 7.95GB on a standard dual layer DVD, with over 1GB dedicated to a DVD-Video partition that also contained anti-piracy security sectors. It seems that this video partition has either been drastically reduced or omitted completely in the new format Microsoft is looking to roll-out.
Regardless, a 14-15 per cent boost in the space available to Xbox 360 developers is a very welcome advance, and some might argue it is somewhat overdue bearing in mind that the security scheme currently in place has proven to be inadequate for several years now. Tossing away the current system may also give Microsoft the opportunity to deploy a brand new anti-piracy strategy bearing in mind that its latest AP 2.5 system was defeated within a couple of weeks.
Xbox 360 DVD firmware hacker “Commodore4eva” adding weight to the story by suggesting that the latest developer XDK confirms the changes:
“MS will introduce XBG3 – this will add more AP checks, CVI (content integerity) checks, increase the disc size and adds a new layer for protection issues – all in the 20500 sdk! bring it on,” he posted on IRC.
Source: Digital Foundry