Hoping to spur interest among video game enthusiasts, creative types and students, Microsoft Corp. said it plans to offer a consumer version of the professional software tools used to create video games for its Xbox 360 console.
The XNA Game Studio Express program, an offshoot of the company's more robust XNA Framework, will be available August 30 for a $99 annual subscription, the company announced Monday.
The software, which requires a Windows PC to operate, will let anyone with the desire create their own video games and then share them on Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service, said Peter Moore, a Microsoft vice president.
Create your own video game using Microsoft Software
Create Your Own Video Game Using Microsoft Software
Trend Themes
1. User-generated Games - Microsoft's XNA Game Studio Express program is tapping into the trend of user-generated content in the gaming industry by allowing anyone to create their own video games.
2. DIY Gaming - The XNA Game Studio Express program is part of the larger DIY trend - empowering individuals to create for themselves rather than rely on industry professionals.
3. Gamification of Creation - With the XNA Game Studio Express program, Microsoft is not only tapping into the trend of gamification, but creating a platform where users can both consume and create games.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Software - The XNA Game Studio Express program is disrupting the gaming software industry by empowering users to create their own high quality games without the need for professional assistance.
2. Education - The XNA Game Studio Express program offers a unique opportunity for educational institutions to teach game development with a readily accessible and affordable software.
3. Online Gaming - Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service will see a shift in its user-generated gaming content by offering gamers the ability to create their own games through XNA Game Studio Express program, thus disrupting the online gaming industry.