Learning XNA 3.0

Chapter 16. Deploying to the Xbox 360

One of the most compelling reasons to learn XNA and write games using the XNA Framework is the fact that it enables developers to develop their own games and play them on the Xbox 360. Prior to XNA, it was nearly impossible for hobbyist developers to gain access to the tools needed to develop games for a next-generation console. Now, developers can either write specifically for the Xbox 360, or take code they've written for the PC and port it to the Xbox 360 (usually with few, if any, changes to the code required). Not only can developers write games for a next-gen console, but with the XNA Framework, they can write games that will run on the PC and the Xbox 360 in one environment and with one code base.

In addition, Xbox LIVE Marketplace is being tweaked at the time of this writing to enable users to share games easily with users worldwide. Never before has the window of opportunity been opened so widely for console development. In July 2008, an announcement was made regarding the Xbox LIVE Community Games program. This program, set to go live at the end of 2008, will allow members of the XNA Creators Club to submit games for review to make sure they are safe to play. Once the game is approved by a group of peers within the Xbox Creators Club, the developer can set a price point for his game. The game is then made available to users worldwide as a purchasable download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace. What a great time to be an XNA game developer, ...