Speaking in an extensive interview with Next-Generation, Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten revealed that Microsoft will begin delisting XBLA titles that are underperforming both sales-wise and in terms of reviews. Whitten said that titles with a Metacritic score less than 65% and a conversion rate of less than 6% will be pulled.
Moving on, Whitten cleared up recent speculation by confirming that there will not be a spring dashboard update this year, as previously rumored. Resources were instead focused this year on "building the proper infrastructure and scale for the service," according to Whitten.
Cleaning up the so-called trash on XBLA seems like a good move -- and it will no doubt alleviate quality control issues that N+ creators Raigan Burns and Mare Sheppard had with the XBLA service. The move does raise a couple concerns though. Will delisted titles still be available for purchase? And if not, will those who bought delisted titles still be able to re-download them?
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MS to Delist XBLA Titles [Next-Gen]