# Create your own video game using Microsoft Software By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-08-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/create-your-own-video-game-using-microsoft-software1 References: [cnn](http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/08/14/microsoft.game.software.ap/index.html) Hoping to spur interest among video game enthusiasts, creative types and students, [Microsoft Corp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-accessibility-resource-hub). said it plans to offer a consumer version of the professional software tools used to create video games for its [Xbox 360](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safety-feature) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperpad) and then share them on Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service, said Peter Moore, a Microsoft vice president. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **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. - **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. - **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. ### Where This Applies - **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. - **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. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Game Development Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-accessibility-resource-hub.md) - [Gender Inclusive Gaming Mentorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-mentorship-program.md) - [AI Game Development Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-inworld-ai.md) - [Accessible Game Development Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crazygames-struckd.md) - [3D Digital Creation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unreal-engine-5.md) - [AI Game Builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibe-game-studio.md) - [Gamer-Targeted Credit Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-xbox-mastercard.md) - [Game-Streaming Television Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-tv-app.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-video-game-franchise.md)