Microsoft XNA

Microsoft XNA Game Studio is a set of tools that includes:

• DirectX and DirectX SDK - the native game library for Windows and XBox, including XACT, XAudio, and XInput.
• XNA Build - a specialized tool used to manage the complexity of the build process.
• XNA Framework - a managed game library which wraps native DirectX and runs on Windows and XBox 360.
• A managed runtime environment that facilitates the development and deployment of 3D simulations and games.

This runtime engine is available for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and XBox 360.

The XNA Framework is based on the native implementation of the .NET 2.0 framework, enabling applications to be written in any .NET-compliant language, but Microsoft only provides support for C#, Visual Studio, and the XNA Game Studio Express IDE.

The XNA Framework encapsulates low-level technology and programming details that are required in the coding of a simulation or game that will run on a number of different platforms. This ensures that the framework itself takes care of the difference between platforms when games are ported from one compatible platform to another, allowing the developers to focus more on the development of content and interactivity.

The XNA Framework integrates with a number of other tools to aid in the creation of content. Developers can create both 2D and 3D games, capable of running on both a Windows PC and on an XBox 360, taking advantage of its controllers and controller vibrations. Microsoft XNA developers who are members of the Microsoft XNA Creator's Club, can submit their games for distribution on the XBox Live Marketplace.