GAME to sell XBLA games and DLC in-store.

UK retailer GAME is to begin selling downloadable Xbox Live games in store, via cards which hold a redeemable digital code.

The chain says that the move will bring digital games to millions of new customers, and "particularly to those who have no access to credit cards".

Microsoft has endorsed the initiative, which will begin in stores this week. Over 30 downloadable games and extras will be sold in over 40 GAME stores as part of a six month trial - and can be obtained with payment or via trade-in.

GAME promises that "more titles and stores will be added as the trial progresses and customers give their feedback". Prices in the range begin at just £2.04.

Tricia Brennan, group commercial strategy director from GAME explained: "We know that lots of customers want to play downloadable games and they look to us, as expert retailers, for advice on the best way to do it.

"We've listened to them and worked with Microsoft to provide the answers. From today it will be much easier to buy downloadable games as they will be able to buy digital games in cash for under a fiver.

Neil Thompson, general manager, Microsoft Retail Sales & Marketing, UK & Ireland adds: "We're excited to offer this program to UK consumers as we see this as an innovative opportunity to work with GAME in delivering Xbox 360 owners yet another highly attractive choice at retail."

All titles will display a clear age rating, which GAME says will be rigidly enforced when sold.

Via CVG

Here's what will be available at launch:

* Alan Wake: The Signal - £4.76
* Alan Wake: The Writer - £4.76
* Braid - £6.80
* Castle Crashers - £10.20
* Catan - £6.80
* Comic Jumper - £10.20
* Crackdown 2: Premium Deluge Pack - £4.76
* Crackdown 2: Premium Toy Box Pack - £4.76
* Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection - £6.80
* Halo 3: Mythic II Map Pack - £6.80
* Halo 3: Mythic Map Pack - £3.40
* Halo Reach - Noble Map Pack - £6.80
* Hydro Thunder Hurricane - £10.20
* Hydrophobia - £10.20
* Limbo - £10.20
* Monday Night Combat - £10.20
* Perfect Dark - £6.80
* Portal: Still Alive - £10.20
* Shadow Complex - £10.20
* Spolsion Man - £6.80
* Super Meat Boy - £10.20
* The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai - £6.80
* The Maw - £6.80
* Toy Soldiers - £10.20
* Trials HD - £10.20
* Worms - £3.40
* Worms 2: Armageddon - £6.80
* Forza 3: World Class Car Pack - £3.40

Prices seem a tiny bit cheaper than M$ points

I am surprised this hasnt been done already tbh. I will be interested to see how much the in store sterling price stacks up against the sterling equivalent of M$ points required per game....

......or against the price of buying the disc copy of the same game!!!

OP updated

Seems reasonable. Amazon are selling 2100 points for £14.99 and here is a quick conversion based on that price:

400 £2.86
800 £5.71
1200 £8.57
1600 £11.42

It will pay to check the M$ point value in advance but there could be some little savings to be had here