Back when Microsoft launched XNA Game Studio, it implied that it would eventually become the YouTube of videogames. But, well, it would take some time to figure out the details - and if you wanted to tinker with code and put it on your Xbox 360, it would cost you $100/year for a Creators Club membership. Today, Microsoft took the first major step toward realizing that vision with the release of XNA Creators Club Game Launcher, a free 7MB download that adds a new tab to your Games Library. Go there and click the Y button to start downloading. So far, all you can get are seven time-limited demos ranging from puzzle (Culture, TriLinea) and board games (ProximityHD) to racing (JellyCar) and action (The Dishwasher, Little Gamers, Rocketball), but Microsoft claims you'll see the Xbox Live Arcade stable (currently around 120 titles) double by year's end. There will apparently be some sort of peer review for games, which ostensibly influences the titles that get released for cash (in the form of Microsoft points). Some games, such as the 360 launch gimme Hexic and vertical shooter Zauri will eventually be released on Zune.
If game demos that represent a potential cultural shift in how games are released don't get you excited, there's some noteworthy standard Marketplace fare to download too:
If game demos that represent a potential cultural shift in how games are released don't get you excited, there's some noteworthy standard Marketplace fare to download too:
- Gears of War 2 video and free theme and gamer pics
- Ninja Gaiden 2 video
- Rock Band songs ($2 each) "El Scorcho" by Weezer, "Sex Type Thing" by Stone Temple Pilots and "Why Do You Love Me" by Garbage
- Xbox Live Arcade: N+ ($10) plus themes ($1.88 each) and picture packs ($2 each)
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