Microsoft To Enable User-Created Xbox 360 Games
Microsoft has announced that it is opening up the XNA framework to aspiring Windows and Xbox 360 developers everywhere. The software giant has also partnered with 10 universities, such as University of Southern California, SMU Guildhall, Georgia Tech University and others, who will include the new XNA Game Studio Express into their curriculum starting as early as this fall. It will allow indie developers and students to develop simultaneously on Xbox 360 and PC, and share their games to others in a new Xbox 360 ‘Creators Club’. XNA Game Studio Express will be available for free to anyone with a Windows XP-based PC.
Could the days of 4-5 guys making games in a basement or garage be making a comeback? Microsoft certainly hopes so. Today at the Microsoft Gamefest conference, being held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Microsoft is set to announce that it is opening up the XNA framework to aspiring Windows and Xbox 360 developers everywhere. The software giant has also partnered with 10 universities, such as University of Southern California, SMU Guildhall, Georgia Tech University and others, who will include the new XNA Game Studio Express into their curriculum starting as early as this fall.“Great game ideas are incubating in the minds of students everywhere,” said Michael Zyda, director for Gamepipe Labs at the University of Southern California. “With XNA Game Studio Express, Microsoft is investing in these next-generation innovators, creating the canvas for dreamers to express their powerful game ideas. In incorporating XNA Game Studio Express and Xbox 360 consoles into our Gamepipe program, USC will be able to better provide game studios and publishers around the world with a newfound wellspring of talent and opportunity. It’s ingenious.”
“Talking on the eve of its Gamefest event in Seattle, Microsoft has revealed XNA Game Studio Express, a new product which will allow indie developers and students to develop simultaneously on Xbox 360 and PC, and share their games to others in a new Xbox 360 ‘Creators Club’. XNA Game Studio Express will be available for free to anyone with a Windows XP-based PC, and will provide them with what’s described as “Microsoft’s next-generation platform for game development.” In addition, by joining a “creators club” for an annual subscription fee of $99, users will be able to build, test and share their games on Xbox 360, as well as access a wealth of materials to help speed the game development progress.”
Source: Gamers.com and Slashdot
