Microsoft Opens XNA Tools To Everyone

In a move that sure to please wanna-be game developers in every corner of America, Microsoft made a surprise announcement at yesterday's Gamefest conference by announcing the availability of XNA Game Studio Express, a free edition of the XNA Game Studios that will become available in beta form August 30th with the final version due out this winter. Additionally, by joining a "gamer's club" for a $99/year fee, homebrew developers can test and run their newly-created games on their Xboxes, without needing to hack the Xbox and break through its security features.

[via MegaGames]