For download

Sep 16, 2009 11:27 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has already confirmed officially that the fourth generation of its Zune digital media players features 3D gaming capabilities. There are even a set of games already announced for Zune HD, and developers can of course extend the collection. In this regard, the Redmond company provides the right tools to get the job done. Devs can download an add-on for the Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 and start building gaming content for Zune HD. The Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 Zune Extensions has been released concomitantly with the general availability of Zune HD, namely September 15th, 2009.

“We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of XNA Game Studio 3.1 Zune Extensions to support Zune HD. This add-on for XNA Game Studio 3.1 adds the following functionality to the product: the ability to target and develop for the Zune HD media player; the addition of new Touch APIs to the XNA Framework for use on the Zune HD; the addition of new Accelerometer APIs to the XNA Framework for use on the Zune HD,” revealed a member of the XNA team.

Microsoft launched Zune HD along with Zune 4.0 yesterday, September 15th. The new devices, in 16GB and 32GB flavors, bring to the table a range of enhancements, including a touch-based natural user interface via the organic light-emitting diode screen, HD Radio, HD Video, and 3D gaming powered by the NVIDIA Tegra HD processor. Upcoming 3D games for Zune HD involve "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf (TM) Tilt." Still, with XNA Game Studio 3.1 and the Zune HD extensions add-on developers can put together additional games for Zune 4.0 digital media player devices.

“You'll also find new documentation and examples integrated into Visual Studio help that will show you how to leverage the new APIs, as well as a tutorial on how to update the Platformer Game Starter Kit to use the new Touch API's. Barring the new input models available, your game should port over relatively easily,” the XNA team member stated. “Beyond the changes outlined here, all of the other XNA Game Studio functionality with the Zune HD remains the same as it did with earlier versions of the device.”

Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.1 Zune Extensions is available for download here.