170°

Microsoft Releases New And Cheaper XDK, Optional Sidecar

Gamasutra - Microsoft announced the release of a new Xbox Development Kit that features additional RAM for development purposes, built-in flash memory, larger hard disk drives, and a smaller form factor.

The new XDK console, which is offered at "a significantly reduced price from its predecessor", is designed to increase efficiency while reducing costs for licensed development teams of all sizes that wish to create software for the Xbox 360.

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gamasutra.com
darthv724769d ago

cheaper entry point means more developers can jump in.

kaveti66164769d ago

I'm sure someone is going to spin this negatively.

"Cheaper entry point means less quality control."

TotalPS3Fanboy4769d ago (Edited 4769d ago )

However, not all developers agreed with that.

Kaveti6616 was quoted as saying, "Cheaper entry point means less quality control."

Others, such as Lzim, questions the goodness of such a decision and its impact. He questioned the decision, saying, "did a good thing... happen?"

Active Reload4769d ago (Edited 4769d ago )

I wonder what the RAM increase will be since they've already had the newest one at 1gig. I would think they'd open it up more and just let the console stream whatever files it can.

Edit: Is the comment above me the first spin?

gamingdroid4769d ago

I doubt real developers had issues with an SDK that cost $10k, when an annual salary for one of those developers is in the range of $60-100k.

Only the smaller studios would care about a price-reduction, but there is always XNA for indie gamers. You can always move to a publisher (and get funding) when you have real working game.

For consoles, it doesn't really get cheaper (or better) than XNA.

lzim4769d ago

did a good thing just happen!?

dragonelite4769d ago

not from microsoft right that's not possible.

DrHouse4769d ago

Cheapr = More devs

More Devs = More Games

more games = More :D

Math 101

Raven_Nomad4769d ago

Could be a step in the right direction. If they opened up a little more they would see more developers come to them, even though I don't like it and wouldn't use it, Steam is an option to them as well.

Also that Final Fantasy game is theirs for the taking if they just open up a little bit, glad to see them do this though. More games means more fun for us gamers!

sickpup4769d ago

The problem is that this is still a game studio solution and does not help Indie gamers who use XNA and are required to signup for the creator's club license even to test their games. If they would develop an emulator that could run development games then this would serious increase custom development.

dragonelite4769d ago

There are multiple way to get free licenses.
Dreamspark for students and what is $100 anyway.

100°

6 Fun Games Where You Actually Play As The Bad Guy

While the mainstream media always sees things turning in favor of the hero, here are 6 games that own being a bad guy.

Profchaos2h ago

Pretty much all of these games listed are based around a morality system you don't have to be bad and you don't have to be good.

It seems to have left out some real amazing games like red dead redemption 1/2,ass effect and true crime la/ny

Tacoboto1h ago

Armored Core VI?

Ok, I'm really missing something here. Just beat chapter 3 earlier this evening, unlocked A-rank Arena fights. I'm not seeing or sensing any branching paths or morality system and I've done every side mission and arena fight available to me up to that fight.

Is something big coming soon to branch the story?

banger881h ago

No mention of Grand Theft Auto? Saints Row (original trilogy), Manhunt? Also The Suffering (depending on the ending you get).

130°

Essential Video Games Everyone Needs To Play At Least Once

Video games are no longer just a simple past time. Today's games are evolving into true works of art. Offering intriguing narratives, cinematic setpieces, and profound messages, games can entertain us for hundreds of hours.

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wealthofgeeks.com
Chard19h ago(Edited 19h ago)

I never got around to mass effect - I’m skeptical that it would hold up if I were to try it now

Furesis18h ago

I would say it does. The combat is a bit shit for todays standards but everything else is great.

anast16h ago

It's worth a play through today.

gold_drake10h ago

the first one is abit the odd one out but after u finished it, believe it it gets tremendously better and better

90°

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron - Coming Back for a New Generation

Originally launched in 2011, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is coming to Nintendo Switch, so It's time to look back at the original.

jznrpg1d 13h ago

Still have my ps3 copies. Bought it at launch and another one when I found it cheap and in perfect condition about 10 years ago. I wouldn’t buy it on Switch but if they made a PS5 version I would. I still have one of my PS3 Fats hooked up so good to go either way.

darthv721d 13h ago

Id play it again on the switch. I wished my 360 version was bc but this is still a good way to play.