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Microsoft to support user created games.

This isn't specifically XBLA related, but it's close enough and big enough to post anyways.

In advance of this mornings Gamefest, Microsoft has announced XNA Game Studio Express. This will allow hobbyists and students to create games on any XP enabled computer. Additionally, for $99 USD, you will be able to join the "Creators Club" which will allow you 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.". Both Garage Games, makers of the fantastic Marble Blast Ultra, as well as Autodesk were involved in one way or another with the creation of XNA Game Studio Express. The beta should be released to the public on August 30th.

What wasn't clear however, was how these games would be shared, or if it would be possible for users to charge money for their games. All in all, this is a fantastic step in the right direction of allowing for more indie games on the 360.

administrator – Mon, 2006 – 08 – 14 14:15
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Awesome

Hexx
Hexx's picture

I will definately be taking part in the sharing games on the Xbox 360. I hope you won't need XNA Game Studio Express or Pro to do this, however, since I have Visual Studio Pro.

Mon, 2006 – 08 – 14 15:03
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1up

Hexx
Hexx's picture

1up has more info on this...

The eventual goal is provide something Microsoft is referring to as "Community Arcade" (whether the name sticks or not is for branding experts to debate). That community arcade is a space for users to upload games to the Live service and allow other users to download those games.

With the upcoming XNA Game Studio Express release, users will be able to connect their PC to their Xbox 360 and port their game to the console to play -- but they won't be able to upload it or transfer it to their friends via the Live network. They will, however, be able to email their game files to friends, or download the game to a memory stick and take it to a friend's house where it can be loaded on to the PC and then ported on to their Xbox 360.

Mon, 2006 – 08 – 14 15:39
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This is cool

The0ldMan
The0ldMan's picture

I'm already outlining an idea for a game.

Thu, 2006 – 08 – 17 01:59
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