Denis Bourdain, VP Business Dev at Load Inc, see picture bellow, took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few quesitons about the upcoming Mad Tracks. He answers questions about pricing, DLC, and a release time frame (just an estimate of course, this is XBLA after all :) )

Read it all after the break

Dennis Bourdain

[XBLArcade.com] Could you briefly tell me about Load Inc. and what your role in the company is?
[Denis] Load Inc. is a Paris based game developer. Our specialty: arcade car games for a wide audience. Recently, we launched the PC version of “Mad Tracks” in Europe. Our moto is “if we have fun developing it, you’ll have fun playing it”. My role is business development and overall management. For example, I’m the one going to all the exotic trade shows around the globe. Darn! We are also proud to make 100% Fat Free Games (we're working on our first full organic title - stay tuned).

[XBLArcade.com] Tell me about Mad Tracks
[Denis] Mad Tracks is a mix of arcade, racing and party game. Driving your car is just an excuse to get info different game play situations. The toy cars will be used to race in the stairs but also playing mini golf, shooting pool, racing bobsleigh or playing foos table.

[XBLArcade.com] What sets Mad Tracks apart from other racing games?
[Denis] The racing part of 'Mad Tracks' is pretty much what you would expect from racing - adding power ups and pick ups like in ReVolt. What makes it unique is the propultion system. Cars have friction engines. A spring will tell you how much stored power you have until you need to release the acceleration button. It's a pain to have an empty spring at the bottom of a hill...

[XBLArcade.com] When can we expect so see Mad Tracks available for download?
[Denis] We hope in August but we're not the ones deciding. Microsoft has to respect its release agenda, they have to make sure of games consistency and quality. This can be time consuming. Or not ;-)

[XBLArcade.com] Can you say what the expected price point will be?
[Denis] Again, we're not the only one deciding, we need to fine tune the price with Microsoft. We trust their jugement - they obviously have the biggest expertise on XBLA. I think 1000 points would be a good deal.

[XBLArcade.com] It has been said that Mad tracks is being developed in parallel with up to three premium DLC packages, could you elaborate?
[Denis] In fact, Mad Tracks will be a 15 challenges/levels stand alone. Two separate add ons will be available "Mad Tracks Encore" and "Mad Tracks Bravo" with each 15 challenges/levels. Achievements will only be in the stand alone. There will be new environments and new mini games in both add ons.

[XBLArcade.com] How long after the initial game will we be seeing the DLC, and will it be released all at once or on a fixed schedule?
[Denis] The three will be ready at the same time. We could release all at once, or not. Again, it will be a joint decision with XBLA guys in Redmond.

[XBLArcade.com] Number of tracks/races wise, how will the game stack up against the PC version?
[Denis] We had to divide the PC version in three to fit the game in a memory card. 15 challenges or levels per game. More than you would expect from your money.

[XBLArcade.com] Will we be seeing more DLC after the initial packs?
[Denis] We are working on another extention pack for back to school. It looks like it's going to be only racing with more challenging tracks (lots of them). This of course is all depending on how well the game did.

[XBLArcade.com] Is there anything else you would like to say about Mad Tracks?
[Denis] Well, so far the press averaged the PC version 75%. When we asked why they liked the game, most of them said there was at least three or four levels that you are going to love - never the same funilly. Some said they liked the game because they liked us.

On top of that, we are proud to be working on what is becoming the most succesful next gen console. Proud because we're indies. Proud because it's an original game. We know this come with it's load of pressure, but we'll do what it takes to exceed Microsoft expectations.

[XBLArcade.com] Are you working on any other XBLA games?
[Denis] Yes, but it's too early to tell.

[XBLArcade.com] Finally, as is customary at XBLArcade.com, any hints to rookie dev teams looking to make a name with XBLA?
[Denis] There is no secret formula. When I first presented the game in Redmond, I was sure they were going to say "thanks, but no thanks". And here we are. Globaly, once you fulfil basic requirements (size, format, etc.) don't be shy. Contact XBLA, they will look at your concept and honestly tell you if it fits. You can rely on them.

[XBLA]I would just like to add that I know how busy you must be and I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.

[Denis]Great job you're doing at www.xblarcade.com, it's initiatives like yours that make the industry stronger. If you think you need us to make games, be sure that without you, studios like Load Inc. would not be here! Visit www.loadinc.net !