Microsoft is to begin selling user-created games through the Xbox Live online platform, starting this autumn. The move comes as Microsoft confirms details of its partnership with Safran Digital Group (SDG), in which a number of horror directors will make short films for distribution via Xbox Live.

The game-sale plan builds on Microsoft's existing XNA software platform, which lets amateurs design games. Under the new scheme, peer-approved games will be sold on Xbox Live for between USD2.50 and USD10 with the creator receiving up to 70% of the total revenue.

The Xbox LIVE Community Games beta will launch in autumn and Microsoft says it should double the size of the Xbox 360 video game library. Users hoping to sell their games through Xbox Live must sign up for the XNA Creators Club premium membership - which costs USD99 a year - reports Reuters. Microsoft first launched its XNA Game Studio in 2006.

Meanwhile, the SDG deal will produce a number of 10-minute comic film shorts. These will be created by Hollywood directors including James Wan, James Gunn and Marcus Nispel, who directed 'Saw', 'Slither' and the 2003 remake of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' respectively. These are also set for an autumn release, and will be sold for an undisclosed price. News of an SDG deal was first reported in April.

The news comes a week after Netflix announced it is partnering with Microsoft to distribute on-demand movies. This service will be available to premium users of Xbox Live from late autumn and will offer streams of some 10,000 movies and TV episodes.