When the Xbox 360 first arrived, Microsoft had a requirement that all titles needed to run at 1280x720, or what most call 720p resolution. While a couple of high-profile titles were able to get Microsoft to relax this requirement, the majority of titles had to adhere to this requirement.

Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 were two such titles that were able to get around the requirement by delivering high frame rates with more effects. Microsoft let these titles slide, as Halo 3 runs at 1152x640 and COD 4 runs at 1024x600. As those who have played these games will tell you, the extra resolution isn’t missed, as the games deliver stunning visuals and more effects while still maintaining a very fast frame rate.

From what our sources tell us, Microsoft has moved away from the 720p requirement, allowing developers more freedom in choosing the best resolution for the game that meets the needs of the title, rather than attempting to enforce a standard which can lead to trade-offs that just are not in the best interests of the game itself.

While this decision by Microsoft could lead to some developments that might be negative, we have to think that choosing a bit lower resolution in trade for more effects in the game could lead to better looking titles. We don’t hear people complaining about what they are seeing with Halo 3 or COD 4, and no one is complaining that the frame rate on these titles is slow. We think that it will actually be a good thing long-term for Microsoft to take the handcuffs off the developers in this regard.