XNA Game Studio 3.1 live, prices tweaked

Microsoft is in the process of overhauling its XNA Games Studio program, which gives aspiring game developers a set of tools to build their own software as well as a platform to disseminate that product. In June, the publisher announced the bulk of these changes, saying it would be rebranding its Xbox Live Community Games channel as Indie Games and introducing a host of new features with XNA Game Studio update 3.1.

This week, Microsoft informed XNA Creators Club community members that they can now submit XNA Game Studio 3.1-compatible games. The publisher did note, though, that these games may not appear on the Indie Games Marketplace channel until the next Xbox Live update, which will bring new features to the Xbox 360's online service on August 11.

Althought the Indie Games program has been criticized for being too small for developers to turn a profit, Microsoft is actually lowering its pricing structure. After October 22, new titles must be priced at 400, 240, or 80 Microsoft points ($5, $3, $1, respectively), though only games that clock in at 50MB and below are eligible for the lowest pricing tier.

The new structure will affect a portion of the games currently available through the Indie Games channel. Games listed at MSP800 ($10) can retain their price in perpetuity, unless a creator submits an update for the title. Those priced at the MSP200 ($2.50) level will automatically flip to the MSP80 tier on October 22. XNA games priced at the MSP400 tier will not see any changes.

Other features introduced with XNA Game Studio 3.1 include a new reputation system; the ability to give away up to 50 free trial copies, use players' avatars in their games, and add video playback; and support for Xbox Live parties. More information on Microsoft's XNA Games Studio is available through the publisher's XNA Creators Club Web site.