During the Gamefest 2006, Microsoft revealed that it will be releasing a new programming tool that would enable hobbyists, amateur game developers, students and ordinary gamers with basic knowledge on coding to create their own game on the Xbox 360 console. This game development toolkit called the XNA Game Studio Express is based on the XNA platform. It will be available free of charge, will run on Windows XP-based computers and can also be used to make Windows XP games.

Hobbyists eager to create their first Xbox 360 game won’t have to wait that long. A beta version of this new product is set to be released on the 30th while the final version will be out this holiday season. Anyone can have a chance to test and share their Xbox 360 game to fellow enthusiasts through Xbox 360 Creator’s Club, which requires a $99 annual subscription fee. XNA Game Studio Express is definitely an inexpensive and easy way for an amateur game developer and hobbyist to enhance his potentials and materialize their concepts.