Microsoft XNA Game Studio Express ready for download
updated 10:55 am EST, Mon December 11, 2006
MS XNA Game Studio Exp.
Microsoft has officially released XNA Game Studio Express, a free version of the future professional toolkit aimed at Windows and Xbox 360 developers. XNA is is based on Visual C#, and should simplify coding by eliminating the need for repetitive sequences. Owners of Game Studio Express can develop complete games on their PC -- but to actually use or play code written for the 360, a subscription to the XNA Creators Club is required. Four months cost $49 at the Xbox Live Marketplace, while a year is $99. Furthermore, only Windows games can be released commercially, since 360 games must be approved by Microsoft, which is withholding that approval until Game Studio Professional ships in 2007.
Coinciding with today's release is the announcement of the Dream-Build-Play contest, in which the winner will have their game published on the Xbox Live Arcade. The contest begins January 2nd and will be open to anyone using Game Studio Express. It is undisclosed, however, if the winner will receive any royalties from his or her game.
