Microsoft restricts Live downloads for non-payers

Along with all the shiny bells and whistles, and if MCV’s experience is anything to go by the far smoother UI operation, that arrived with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Autumn Update yesterday, it has also been confirmed that from now on those who are only registered for the free version of Xbox Live will have to wait to download free new content.

Silver members, who forgo the subscription charge paid by Gold Members at the cost of losing access to multiplayer gaming, will now have to wait seven days to access free new content such as demos, videos and some in-game content. Gold members, though, will get immediate access.

Microsoft’s online blogger Major Nelson explains: "If you have a Silver account and you see a piece of content that has a red circle with a slash through it you’ll have to wait until a week after the content is released to access it.

"This is not done to annoy our Silver members – limited time exclusive access to content is just one of the many benefits of having a Gold Xbox Live account.”