XNA Games Studio Express UK Launch

Posted By: Paul Foster | Dec 20th, 2006 @ 12:26 PM

Fancy being an Xbox 360 games developer?
A new era of garage computer games development begins with the launch of XNA Games Studio Express. Games for Windows and Xbox 360 can now be built by anyone. The power of the XNA framework and the tools provided is amazing! I attended the UK launch event and caught up with games developer group general manager at Microsoft, Chris Satchell. Chris tells of all the samples to help you get started and the type of games that can now be built plus his dream of a 'YouTube' of community games built using XNA. Developers from Microsoft Games Studio company Rare (developers of Viva Pinata), supported the UK launch with sessions and workshops.
Following the launch event I was lucky enough to attend an XNA workshop held at Rare. A video of my awesome day at Rare to follow shortly.

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Comments (12)

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TeddyB

I had no idea you could make games that incredible in XNA. I thought it would be Geometry Wars and Frogger caliber. But, dang, that looks amazing. /me suddenly becomes very interested in this whole XNA thing.

Paulfo

In reply to TeddyB

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 3:42 PM

During the launch event Mitch Walker, Program Manager - Xbox XNA, gave a fab demo. He showed just how easy it is to build stuff by pulling in existing bits like a sky dome, terrain and a fully animated tank! With a community of people sharing graphics and game components we are really in for a fun time. Nick Burton of Rare told us you can get to about 95% of the graphics capability in the Xbox 360 hardware via XNA. Awesome Smiley

TeddyB

In reply to Paulfo

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 4:11 PM

As a guy who does tons of graphic art and animation, and who plays waaay too many video games, I really wonder what I could do with XNA. This has got me seriously interested... Thanks Paul.

Arztek

In reply to TeddyB

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 3:42 PM

You said it, Ted. I totally dig those graphics. I was particularly impressed with the extreme graphics bi-plane demo. I've always wanted to make my own vintage flight simulator.

TeddyB

In reply to Arztek

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 11:06 PM

Totally. I want to make a game now. I'm sure after I'm done people will be going "Gears of Who!?"

But, seriously... It looks hella neat.

Erik

In reply to TeddyB

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 11:20 PM

If there's anything I can do to help get anyone started that's interested, let me know. I'm JUST getting started playing around with XNA too and would love to learn together with some outside folks. I have a lot of experience writing .NET (managed) code and would love to help if you have any questions from a coding standpoint. There will probably be lots I can't answer, but can probably help you find the answer. Smiley

Of course you'll also want to check out our developer content on XNA on Channel 9.

Arztek

In reply to TeddyB

#Dec 20th, 2006 @ 11:20 PM

Gears of Whasis?...No. You're certainly talented enough to pull it off. I'm not expecting a Gears of War from you just yet...but maybe in a few years.

If you ever decide to tackle such a project, let me know...I'd love to help.

On a similar note, my film class was analyzing some material on YouTube today and we had some fun watching your work. Just thought I'd shoot you some props. I can hold my own with Premiere...but I have yet to tackle After Effects.

linkyshinks

Me wants drag and drop games production- WHEN. LS

Paulfo

In reply to linkyshinks

#Dec 25th, 2006 @ 1:22 PM

GarageGames Torque X is about as close to D&D games production as it gets for the moment Smiley