This game is also on DS and PSP.

Interesting article.

Interesting. You do a good job with this stuff, Mr. Stickball. I look forward to seeing you cover WiiWare/Virtual Console as well as PSN in the future.

BottledSpringWater - of course an 'arcade' game can be over $200,000 - you do realize these games are coded using the same programs, the same way a game like Halo 3, or Super Mario Galaxy, right? Games cost time to make, which if your hired as a programmer, or anything associated. The difference is the fact that N+ cost about 1/100th (or 1%) of what a big PS3 or X360 game cost.

outlawuron - N+ will be on DS/PSP, but that version of N+ wasn't created by the same studio that the XBLA version was - N+ for X360 was made by MetaNet, the creators of N, and Klei Entertainment helping with other aspects of the game (as they've had experience with making XBLA games). N+ for DS/PSP isn't out yet (slated for a 3/15/08 release). N+ for PSP/DS is being made by SilverBirch, and published by Atari.

As for a breakdown of various "requirements" for a game making it's cash back on XBLA. Remember: Microsoft takes 30% of any given game's revenue on XBLA to cover it's costs (and sale of XBL Points via retailers). More is taken if Microsoft assists in coding the game (in which some games are sent to MS to basically be made, whilst the original IP holder pockets 50% of the income).

Week 1 Sales = 5% of LTD Sales of 18 months.

The DS and PSP versions will probably make shure this game will get a profit , but in the same time this could be a surprise hit on the XBLA ...

I'm really interested to see how the XBLA sales compare to the DS sales (its not fair to compare PSP software sales with any other hardware)

well, considering how addictive N is on the PC, if they've implemented some multiplayer features on Xbox Live like they said they did with (I think) DS and PSP, then I'm pretty sure this will be a huge hit. Esspecially since Xbox Live crowd are known for being the hardcore obsessive, the challenge that N brings to teh table is huge.

Hm, wonder how far back average budget for a console (or homecomputer) game was $200K. I bet Jet Set Willy was a bit cheaper than that :)

Great read, and great analysis mrstickball. This reminds me of an interview I read on a Finnish gaming site about the development of Super Stardust HD. I might translate bits of that if there's any interest?

Plaupius - any tidbits about downloadable games on any of the 3 major services is always a good read.

Grey Acumen - N+ on X360 has multiplayer, and create-your-own-levels, as well as lots of other extras. It's amazing what they did with 16 megabytes of space for a download.