Microsoft has released the latest version of its game development suite targeted to Xbox 360, Windows PC and Zune. C# 3.0 is now supported as well as several key functionalities that were badly needed by hobbyist developers such as “Trial mode” releases, “in-game invites” using the Xbox LIVE multi-player platform, and “1-click installation” of Windows games with automatic asset compression of content to improve download times.

Download XNA Game Studio 3.0 here

Microsoft has finally announced that premium members of the XNA Creators Club will be able to sell the games they have developed through the Xbox Live Marketplace.

As long as you have completed your Xbox 360 game, you send it to the Creators Club community to be peer reviewed and if successful could earn as much as 70% of the 200-800 Microsoft points selling price range (paid quarterly, in actual cash).

I just created a LinkedIn group for Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio professional and hobbyist developers, designers and artists worldwide. I am not ready yet to show my progress on this technology, but I wanted a way to connect to other fans to share, comment, and contribute to the creation of our game ideas.

Join me at:

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/127570/23C1ED40C5D4

The network is, of course, independent from Microsoft Corp.

Struggling(?) my way to learn the XNA framework, I came across this book from Microsoft Press entitled “Learn Programming Now”. Rob Miles, the writer, is also an actual computer science university teacher in the UK.

If you are a first timer or haven’t developed for quite a while this book is for you (and me). Starting with basic exercises such as loading images and writing text you go on to create more complex (and sometimes very silly) games that teach you how to add sounds, handle input, manage game states, etc.

There are only two points of attention that you would need to consider before buying it. The first one is that 3D is not explored. If you want to learn more about managing your 3D meshes, viewing frustum culling, or creating shaders this book is not for you. The second one is that collision management, even in 2D, is not covered.

My personal opinion is that this book is very good at preparing you on the more complex tasks that attend the creation of your game ideas. Once you get the basics firmly covered you can go for more complex (and heavier) books.

A final note to say that this is one of the few books built for version 2.0 of XNA Game Studio so you do not have to look for updated code on the web. If you want to learn more visit the book website and download the first two chapters for free: very silly games.