Midway Xbox Live Arcade Titles Removed, Including UMK3 - UPDATED

[Patrick McCarron]

<img src="http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/D796A34E-E462-4FB0-B89E-26B3369DC23A/0/boxultimatemortalkombat3.jpg" style="float:right"/><a href="http://kotaku.com/5473596/poof-and-like-that-midway-games-disappear-from-xbox-live-[update]">Kotaku</a> is reporting that all the former <b>Midway Games</b> titles like Smash TV and Robotron on Xbox Live Arcade have been pulled down overnight. Included in this is the very popular port of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/ultimate_mortal_kombat_3">Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3</a>. We're not sure if this is temporary, or if these titles are gone for good just yet. The game still has it's <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/u/ultimatemortalkombat3xboxlivearcade/">Xbox.com game detail page</a>.

At this point we're not sure if you'd be able to download your purchased games again, <a href="http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/05/24/559300.aspx">which is the case of previous titles when removed for poor performance</a>. Since that reason for removal usually centers on the game not selling well, it that doesn't appear to be the case in this matter. Also some people over at <a href="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252562">CheapAssGamer noticed</a> that you can still buy the codes for the game on Amazon, but that is not a promise that you will still get the game.

Also of note that the Midway titles, including <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2">Mortal Kombat II</a>, are still available on the <b>PlayStation Network</b>. We're not sure if the same thing will happen there or not, but in case if you still haven't bought the game yet now is as good a time as any!

We'll update this as we find out more!

<B>UPDATE 11AM CST</b>

Xbox Live's <a href="http://www.majornelson.com">Major Nelson</a> just <a href="http://twitter.com/majornelson">posted to Twitter</a> an update about the situation.

FYI: Some XBLA titles are no longer available for purchase from Xbox LIVE Arcade due to publisher evolving rights and permissions...

If you purchased it in the past, you WILL be able to re-download them...so don't worry.

The list of titles is: Cyberball, Defender, Paperboy, Rootbeer Tapper, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Robotron, Joust, Gauntlet & Smash TV

Look for discussion on the games that were removed on my show this week

If you purchased any of those titles...you will still be able to play them or redownload 'em. An no, it's not Game room related

So we'll be sure to tune into <a href="http://majornelson.com/archive/tags/Blogcast+_2800_MP3_2900_/default.aspx">his Podcast</a> this week to hear more details.

 

[Tim Static]

Re: Midway Xbox Live Arcade Titles Removed, Including UMK3

Wow, i hope it isnt permanent. The game has sold very very very well over the years (same with MKII on PSN) and their is always matches to be had online, so i hope its back asap.

 

[Patrick McCarron]

Re: Midway Xbox Live Arcade Titles Removed, Including UMK3

Wow, i hope it isnt permanent. The game has sold very very very well over the years (same with MKII on PSN) and their is always matches to be had online, so i hope its back asap.

We hope as well that it comes back soon, sounds like it could end up being a logistical mess though.

 

[DCR]

How screwy. Here's to hoping WB fixes the bugs in it and adds customizable controls so we can all use our FightPads and sticks. How about a movelist and practice mode, too? I'd probably re-purchase it for that stuff.

Oh, and stage recycling. It's been fifteen years, fix that shit.

I can't see them leaving it off permanently when it's such a popular title, though.