Big numbers and slapped-backs abound as Microsoft reports a shining success for its Summer of Arcade promotion.

Unsurprisingly it’s 1 vs. 100 leading the bunch. The virtual gameshow was downloaded three million times during its 13 week pilot season, and simultaneous audiences topped 114,000 stateside and 81,000 in the UK/Republic of Ireland. Damn right Microsoft is pleased about that.

But that’s not the only reason for corporate smugness. Elsewhere we learn that Trials HD and top-notch platformer Shadow Complex have both shattered records in their opening weeks. All told LIVE Arcade sales are up a mighty 200% compared to the same period last year as a result. The job, as they say, is a good one – and it certainly justifies this sort of boastful blather:

"It's clear that we've had an incredibly successful summer, and the Xbox LIVE community loves the innovative gaming experiences we deliver," says Xbox LIVE’s download director Scott Austin in a recent press release.

"We are the leader in digitally distributed games, have the best partners in the industry and work closely with them to offer the best in downloadable content and entertainment."

That sounds like fighting talk to us, but top marks to MS for not dropping the ball now that the Summer of Arcade promo period has concluded. Tomorrow’s trio of downloadables includes Ion Assault, Zombie Apocalypse and The Warriors: Street Brawl – 800 Points apiece and all well worth a look. Also waiting in the wings is the avatar-powered online racer Joy Ride. Can’t wait to get hold of that – check it out...