Microsoft's mysterious updated Xbox 360 disc format will add
an extra 1GB of storage to the console's game discs. Current game discs
use only around 6.8GB of a DVD's theoretical 7.95GB capacity, with the
rest being filled up with gubbins such as anti-piracy measures. Digital
Foundry speculates that Microsoft is either greatly reducing or
outright removing the extra data. Extra space will allow developers to
include more (or higher-quality) textures, sounds, movies, and the like
in Xbox 360 games. If you're in North America and want to join
Microsoft's testing for the new disc format, you can
sign up now. Participants will
receive a free copy of Halo: Reach for their troubles.
