Now User-generated Content On Xbox Live

Now User-generated Content On Xbox Live

Techtree News Staff, Jul 23, 2008 1815 hrs IST

Microsoft launches Xbox LIVE Community Games, a new marketplace created for user-generated content.

Microsoft has now revealed that it will allow anyone to create, share and sell games through Xbox LIVE Community Games, a new marketplace created for user-generated content for Xbox 360 users.

This announcement was made at the Gamefest 2008, Microsoft Game Technology Conference along with some more announcements including Games for Windows Live service for free and the Games for Windows Live Marketplace, a new digital distribution service. Read more.

Back in 2006, Microsoft opened up game development and started offering game production tools to amateurs and hobbyists under an initiative called XNA. Now with this new business model, members of the XNA Creators Club will be able to create, share and sell their work on Xbox Live.

Community games that are submitted by XNA Creators Club Premium members and successfully pass the rigorous peer-review system will be added to the Xbox Live Marketplace catalog for sale. Developers will receive up to 70 percent of the total revenue generated by their game. The games will be sold at 3 suggested preset retail price points 200 ($2.50), 400 ($5.00), or 800 ($10.00) Microsoft Points.

When the service is launched for consumers this fall, Microsoft is expecting the community-created games on Xbox Live to double the size of the Xbox 360 video game library. By the end of 2008, Xbox 360 owners are expected to have access to the largest, most creatively diverse game library across all next-generation platforms, with more than 1,000 titles spanning Community Games, Xbox Live Arcade and retail blockbuster titles.