MS releases software dev-kits for Xbox 360

Microsoft Corporation recently announced the availability of software tools aimed at encouraging independent and hobbyist video game makers to create titles for its new Xbox 360 console.

The move from Microsoft, which kicks off its two-day Gamefest video game development conference in Seattle, comes as the popularity of user-created content on the Internet grows and as the software giant builds a large audience for its Web-connected Xbox Live online service.

Microsoft said its tool kit, called XNA Game Studio Express, an offshoot of the company’s more robust XNA Framework, will make it easier for enthusiasts to create games to run on Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox 360 console or personal computers running its Windows operating system.

“It’s our first step of creating a YouTube for video games,” Moore said, referring to the wildly popular free online video sharing Web site. “It will give you everything you need to bring your game to life on Xbox 360.”

“It’s our first step of creating a YouTube for video games,” Moore said, referring to the wildly popular free online video sharing Web site. “It will give you everything you need to bring your game to life on Xbox 360.”

A test version of the tool kit will be out by August 30. The final product will be available in time for the Christmas rush for an annual subscription of US$99 per year for Xbox 360 game development. The software will be free to people making games to run on Windows.

Microsoft said more than 10 universities, including the University of Southern California and Southern Methodist University, will include XNA Game Studio Express and Xbox 360 development in their fall curricula.

Source: Yahoo! News

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