XNA Game Studio

[CosmicMonkey]

I'm wondering if anyone here is using the XNA Game Studio Express to develop Xbox 360 software?

Is this a good way to learn to develop for a modern machine? Are there any limitations to what you can do with the 360? Do you have full access to all the system hardware, or is it limited like the Yaroze/PS3 Linux?

Basically, for someone wanting to move into game development is the XNA GSE a good way to learn a current viable console platform?

[Viraneth]

Well, you need a good knowledge of both C++ and C#. It lets you make games that are XBLA equivelent or a little better. If you wanna make 360 games, there is no better way to get into it than XNA, but only if you have the $99 a year subscription service for Creator's club.

[MrSparkle]

well hell 99 a year is nothing in terms of development costs. unfortunatly the only c language i know has nothing after the letter c.

[Darren870]

there are good books and videos on how to start.

[Viraneth]

I reccomend using half.com to get the books. I got a brand-new C# dev book for $10 ($40 MSRP). If I remember the name I would tell you, but I need to get a C++ book first so I haven't really cracked it open. I suggest picking up a C++ book before getting into C# (which automatically puts you into XNA).