GDC08: XNA development for the Zune begins

by Dustin Burg { Feb 21st 2008 at 1:00PM }

iPod owners be damned, the Zune "media device" will be where all the cool XNA and XBLA kids play. Say hello to the ~~Xboy~~ Zuneboy!

During yesterday's GDC keynote, Microsoft announced that later this year, XNA development would be opening up to the Zune allowing XNA developers to create XBLA style games for Zune devices. The games can then be shared from the Zune itself to any Windows PC and also to a 360. So, Mr. Allard ends up being correct about Zune - 360 connectivity, but totally dropped the ball on Zune gaming. Why fight it Allard, why fight? Also, those cool cats over at Ars Technica are reporting that the Zune will allow for multiplayer gaming via the device's built-in wireless capability. Zune XNA development should be rolling out sometime by the end of the year alongside the new XNA / Xbox Live community features.

Tags: gdc08, microsoft, xbla, xna, zune

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Scott @ Feb 21st 2008 1:10PM

Any word on if this is for next gen zunes only, or is my old 30 gigs gonna work?

FordGTGuy @ Feb 21st 2008 2:22PM

It will be supported on Zune 80, 30, 4 and 8.

Anticrawl @ Feb 21st 2008 1:18PM

From what I understand the older 30 gig zune is actually slightly superior in performance. The second gen zunes opted for cheaper parts and hard drive, thus the new casing for heat distribution.

Anticrawl @ Feb 21st 2008 1:21PM

This is just an assumption I made from idly gathering a bit of info here and there on the zune and having taken the new zune and older model appart.

I hate those square buttons by the way, the whole visual appeal of the zune was ruined for me by the new zunes and the new interface with the zooming text and overall in your face interface. I liked how simplistic the original design appeared from the main menu. Now it has a PMP for the grade schooler menu.

FordGTGuy @ Feb 21st 2008 2:22PM

The Zune 80, 30, 4 and 8 use the same CPU that has a built in GPU on the chip. The 80 has better battery life and a bigger HDD so I doubt they 'opted' for cheap parts.

Anticrawl @ Feb 21st 2008 8:01PM

The parts can still be cheaper while delivering the same performance.

BowserUSC @ Feb 21st 2008 9:01PM

@FordGTGuy

Actually the battery life is rated the same for the 80 and 30 gigs on the zune website. However, if the 80 consumes more power than the 30 then the battery would need to be better.

Tony @ Feb 21st 2008 1:24PM

I don't know, I've owned both and definitely prefer the new tactile interface and GUI... particularly the tactile interface; I've gone back to the previous model and even the iPod and constantly find myself wishing I was using the touch pad the new Zune's use.

It could at the very least lead to far more interesting gaming possibilities... being able to click and slide as opposed to just click.

FordGTGuy @ Feb 21st 2008 2:22PM

I've also read that unlike the menus which only use the pad for up, down, left and right while in games it can go in all directions.

ZEBRA NINER @ Feb 21st 2008 1:26PM

Yes please. I'll take two.

Gemini Ace @ Feb 21st 2008 1:37PM

Why does J Allard insist on trying to look hip? The bald, earring thing doesn't work for Howie Mandell either. Grow some hair and buy some khakis!

BowserUSC @ Feb 21st 2008 8:51PM

Maybe he's bald.

rockeranimefreak @ Feb 21st 2008 2:20PM

LOL @ 6

anyway! looks like it's time to get the new Zune! =)

Mr Cool @ Feb 21st 2008 2:20PM

Lulz.

I LOVE that picture!

BowserUSC @ Feb 21st 2008 8:53PM

I wonder how the zune will connect to the 360. I hope I don't have to buy a wireless adapter for my 360 just to connect it.

I don't own a zune but if some sick games come out for it I would definitely consider purchasing one.

Anticrawl @ Feb 21st 2008 9:54PM

It will probably connect the same way it already does, via USB. I also bet they'll add a feature to download games wirelessly to the Zune as well.

b33eazy @ Feb 21st 2008 9:09PM

I guess this put an end to all those Xbox portable rumors :( too bad too I guess I'll have to stick with psps and ipods. :(

Trekster_Gamer @ Feb 22nd 2008 2:09AM

Can Zune really do games? I am a huge 360 fan but in the world of portable gaming PSP is still far and away my choice for true console portable gaming. I wish MS would just make a true hand-held gaming device and let Zune stick to music and vids.....