I think I know the answer to this, but I thoughtI'd ask anyway.

My game was published around 60 days ago, and is 200 points. Since everyone else is dropping to 80 points, I feel my game looks rather expensive in comparison right now. The website says I can't change my price until 31/08/2009.

Is there any way I can force it to change to the new price points early, so I can try and shift some more copies at a lower price?

No, it's unfortunately just a case of bad timing. Microsoft has officially stated that they won't make any exceptions. Definitely a bummer, but unfortunately there's nothing you can do but wait.

I deleted the post subtlely advising to game the system. This will not be tolerated. Either wait the 90 days or create a new version of the game that you price at 80 points.

I have a 200-point title out right now and I'm intentionally waiting because I think it's worth more than 80 points.

200 MSP is still within impulse-buy range for many people.  If your gameplay is good, it will continue to sell at 200, and you'll make more than double the cash off each sale.  Don't sell yourself short.

Jim Perry:

new version

What exactly do you mean by "new version"?  I don't want to misinterpret that the wrong way and I DEFINITELY do not want to game the system by accident!  Thanks! :)

OK, I thought I remembered reading something about this somewhere, I just couldn't remember where.

Games currently at 200 Points: Will remain at 200 points until October 22, 2009. At that point, XNA will automatically change these games to 80 Microsoft Points. For price changes, game updates, and new games the 200 price point is no longer available.

So, by this I assume that if I upload an update to my game, I will be forced to change my price?  Do I not have to wait the 90 days if I "update" my game?  The answer would seem to be yes, but I just want to make sure. ;)

Sorry for the seemingly dumb question, but I'm a little confused...

If you update the game, and it isnt the 90 day mark, it remains at 200

Squimball:

Jim Perry:

new version

What exactly do you mean by "new version"?  I don't want to misinterpret that the wrong way and I DEFINITELY do not want to game the system by accident!  Thanks! :)

A new version would be a game with different features or new content. You can't just rename the game and put it out there.

Thanks for the clarifications!

I don't know if this was what Squimball meant, but I have a fix for the high scores not saving in Jungle Blocks (they only save when you quite wth the menu, since OnExiting doesn't fire if you quit with the dashboard).

If I push this update out (obviously it'll have to go through review), will it force me to pick from the new prices (eg. lowering to 80 points)? If not, will it reset my 90 day timer? :-(

If Ican push the bugfix out and reduce me price, great. But if I push it out and it means I'm stuck at 200 points *even longer*, then that's not so great :-(

Neither is the case. When you release an updated inside of the 90 days interval, then the price option will simply be disabled, so you are forced to release the update at the same price as the original. However, the update does not reset the 90 days. The 90 days count since the last price change (or initial  release, whatever came last) and not since the last update.
So you can release your update now (but won't have the option of changing the price at the same time), and when the initial 90 days are over in 30 days or so, you can change the price.

Doc

Thanks for the info :)