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Ok so i was looking around various places trying to find out more about XNA, I asked a few people and i have came to the conclusion that at its current state XNA / C# is not the strongest choice, simply because there is not much you can do with the two as it stands. However XNA is still new and is obviously being built up, so depending how fast we start programming, depends if it should be used or not. As it stands it is fairly hard to get a decent game from it, but it will obviously be expanded upon

Joe

Could you link to these places? Thanks.

And yes, XNA is still being worked on, and perhaps not able to deliver exactly what we want yet, but it is focused on game development and will be replacing other standards after the release of Windows Vista.

From the XNA FAQ:

Q: Is the XNA Framework different from Managed DirectX (MDX)?
A: Yes. The XNA Framework is a completely different set of technologies targeted at game developers. It does share similarities based on the fact that the underlying technologies are still based on DirectX. The XNA Framework also leverages other technologies such as XACT and X/Input.

(UPDATED) Q: Will there be any more improvements to Managed DirectX 2.0?
A: The Managed DirectX 2.0 beta libraries were declared deprecated in April 2006, and expired on October 5th, 2006.  If you have an enterprise application that was materially impacted by this expiration, please send email to xna@microsoft.com.

Q: Does the XNA Framework replace Managed DirectX?
A: The XNA Framework will have a managed API for working with hardware on the Xbox 360 and Windows. This API subsumes the functionality that previously existed in the MDX 2.0 beta.

Q: Does MDX 1.1 support development with the .NET Framework 2.0?
A: MDX1.1 is fully compatible with the .NET Framework 2.0.

(UPDATED) Q: Will my MDX 1.1 code run inside the XNA Framework?
A: Please refer to this migration guide that describes how to migrate MDX 1.1 code to the XNA Framework.

Q: I’m a game studio and I have made a significant tools investment on MDX 1.1, does this mean Microsoft will not support MDX 1.1 anymore?
A: Microsoft will continue to support MDX 1.1 as per our standard support policy. Once the XNA Framework ships we will provide guidance on how to move from MDX 1.1 to the XNA Framework

They didn't say it outright, but it's clear enough.

Solinx

seems we've chosen a bad time to start this engine

If we go with MVC architecture, we can simply leave the viewer and controller until later, and focus on the model for the time being.

You're the programmers

For me, knowing that a game takes a lot of time, like at least a year+, it didn't seem so much a big issue that XNA isn't fully developed yet.

At this stage there is still reasonable chance at getting requests in too.

Solinx

I can't get any likes because i clear my history when its not my computer
but just look around
Personally i would use C++ I know that would not make it a .NET engine, but it would be better for developing a game, Just look around a bit

.NET is easier, just as fast, and the future

If its the future then i don't like the future

and why's that?

If I understood correct, the language is 'somewhat' more limited, but hardly noticeable for all I could tell.

Solinx

.NET isn't a language. don't confuse C# and .NET

Ah yeah, framework is what I meant.

Solinx

I have a question about the XNA system. If we make your engine with the XNA system, so the game, do people who will want to play the game will have to download the XNA software or any other software?

They will need the library files, but there could just be installed as part of the game or engine, depending on how we decide to deploy them.

Edit: At least, that is what I remember about it, and being quite tired, I could be quite wrong.

Solinx

It like Directx, it is installed / updated if needed when games are (games which use it anyway)

yeah, that shouldn't be a problem.

anyway, .NET is the future, and MDX is dying (dead?), so XNA seems to be our only choice

just read some articles and comments, and I'm starting to think XNA may just not be our best choice after all:

Articles on tweakers.net (Dutch)
http://tweakers.net/nieuws/45537/Microsoft-brengt-ontwikkelsoftware-Xbox-360-uit.html
http://tweakers.net/meuktracker/14332/Microsoft-XNA-Game-Studio-Express-1.0.html

[2playedit:]

Microsoft has put XNA-development software for the Xbox 360-platform online. Download is available for free, but to be able to exchange developed game by means of the XNA Marketplace, one must pay 99 dollars per year.

Using XNA-software it is possible, according to Microsoft, to in a simple manner develop games for both the Xbox 360 and the pc. For 99 dollars per year or 49 dollars per trimester, games can be shared with the rest of the XNA Creators Club members and one can get an arrangement concerning whitepapers, starter kits, examples and technical support. Games which comes from these marketplace, do not however record achievements and contribution therefore also nothing to the gamerscore in the Xbox 360-tag. It will not be according to reports possible to develop online multiplayer games for the Xbox.

2playedit: fixed translation above

Microsoft its XNA Game studio have put Express online. With these for free to download software can devise Xbox 360-bezitters their own game and subject to payment of Creator Club-abonnement of 99 dollars per year these creations share with the club members. Online multiplayeren sit not and also the not possible achievements in the game stop, but there can have been expected become that there beside the innumerable tetriscloons and space invaders invaders-brouwsels also some will emerge pareltjes. The development XNA Game studio happens with C# and requires and the system requirements are equal to those of Visual studio 2005 with thereby DirectX 9.0c-videokaart with Shader model 1.1-ondersteuning. Shader model 2.0-ondersteuning are advised compatibiliteit with a number of guarantee starter kits. For the installation Visual studio C# Express Edition can, must be seized be installed to be. Changelog are not available, but in the readme among other things following observations appear:

Although the setup program for XNA Game studio Express will complete on the Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system, XNA Game studio Express will not be officially supported on Windows Vista until after Visual studio C# Express is officially supported on the consumer release or Windows Vista in 2007.

    * Windows XP requires service Pack 2 or later.
    * Although XNA Game studio Express itself is available only in English, it are supported under any or the language settings available on these operating systems.
    * Administrator permissions are not required to manage XNA Game studio Express. However, Administrator permissions (administrative elevation on Windows Vista) are required in order to install XNA Game studio Express.
    * Although the setup program for XNA Game studio Express will complete on the Windows 2003 server operating system, XNA Game studio Express are not officially supported on Windows 2003 server, and the XNA Game studio Express software may not work ash expected.

• version number: 1.0
• Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows XP
• Download: http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/0/b/90b2097b-cb79..
• file size: 81,10MB
• Licentietype: Conditions (GNU/BSD/etc.)

Wheel me automatically mail updates for this product!

• Related products:

    * Microsoft XNA Game studio Express

thank you, but the main reasons for not using XNA are in the comments

We can translate them too 

Or you can watch this movie:
http://channel9.msdn.com/Showpost.aspx?postid=261254

Haven't viewed it completely myself (skipped quite a lot of bits), but the racing game doesn't look stunning on the graphics, even tho they are praising it sky high... Could be the recording quality, but I think the cars just aren't really smooth.

The second game I've seen was an arcade game, definetly not what we're after.

While this is all for the XBox 360 and it could be better for the PC, I have to say that Im disapointed with what I see.

Perhaps it's time to reconsider our choice afterall.

Solinx