14 DAY TRIAL // Following the recent Microsoft announcement regarding its XNA Game Studio Express, the company has released more info in the form of an official FAQ and a developer's blog, to satisfy the increasingly vocal community. In what could be described as a bold, unprecedented move on Microsoft's behalf, students and indie developers alike could join the XNA Creators Club in order to share and develop Xbox 360 and PC games.
The overview explains: "XNA Game Studio Express will enable you to create Windows and now Xbox 360 console games much more easily. These games are limited to non-commercial scenarios for 360 titles created with XNA Game Studio Express. However, XNA Game Studio Express may be used to create commercial games which target Windows. We will be releasing XNA Game Studio Professional next spring which will allow developers to create commercial games for Xbox 360 in addition to Windows."
Xbox 360 security has been very tight regarding homebrew attempts for the console thus XNA Game Studio Express games cannot be transferred via memory card "at this time." It is expected that the intent is for game development only, with further features to be added depending on community feedback. One cannot simply develop an Xbox 360 game and upload it to Xbox Live. Microsoft might be aiming for a less user friendly YouTube-like service as old habits die hard when it comes to source control. Regarding code sharing, the FAQ mentions that the intended recipient of the content must be logged in to Xbox Live and have an active subscription to the XNA Creators Club. In addition, the XNA Framework runtime environment for the Xbox 360 is required, along with the XNA Game Studio Express install. Game development was never an easy task, but at least you will be free to share with other PC users at no cost.