Although Microsoft still plans to offer an HD DVD drive as an optional add-on to its Xbox 360 by the end of the year, the firm apparently does not envision any Xbox game content, per se, being produced for the HD DVD format in the foreseeable future. Instead, according to published reports, the next-gen disc drive will be used primarily for non-game HD DVD titles such as motion pictures, TV series and concerts.
Xbox games will continue to be produced on dual-layer DVD-9 (8.5 GB discs) in 720p. Microsoft believes DVD-9 continues to supply sufficient storage for games, according to some computer publications. A Microsoft exec reportedly said 720p is the firm's "sweet spot" for rendering lighting, shadows, surfaces and other game imaging.
