Games Coming To Zune [Updated]
User Rating: / 16
PoorBest 
Wednesday, 20 February 2008

Yes it's true, the Zune is getting games!  Microsoft GDC report that there will be games on the Zune by the end of the year!  Chris Satchell of Microsoft just showed a preview of the new concept that Microsoft will be doing, "Community Games".  They are community developed games that use the XNA studio tools. Details are still foggy right now but we'll keep you updated.

Some points known

  • Wireless Mobile Games
  • Integrated soundtrack to your collection
  • Touchpad based games

 

Read more for pictures and details.

 

  Zune Game Development FAQ

Developers will now have the capability to develop once for all three platforms: the Xbox 360, Windows, and Zune.  While developers can write one game and target any platform, cross-platform networking between all three platforms is not supported.

Keeping with Zune media experience, XNA Game Studio 3.0 integration includes discoverability and access to user’s music  allowing the user to customize background soundtracks or create real-time visualizations.  In addition, the XNA Community Games Platform team has announced the ability to have multiple Zunes wirelessly engage in an ad-hoc gaming experience.

A preview release of XNA Game Studio 3.0 will be available in the Spring 2008 timeframe, with a final release scheduled for the holiday 2008 season.

Q: Will this feature only work on newer Zune devices?
A: XNA Game Studio 3.0 currently will support Zune 4/8, Zune 30, and Zune 80 devices.

Q: Can I build ccgame files to share my Zune game with my friends?
A: The XNA Game Studio 3.0 preview will not support sharing CCGame files with other users. This is a planned feature for the release.

Q: Can I transmit the game to another Zune device wirelessly?
A: No, you must deploy the game to your Zune through your device connection on your PC, using XNA Game Studio 3.0 to deploy.

Q: Do I need an XNA Creators Club subscription to deploy the game?

A: No subscription is required to deploy the Zune game from your PC.

Q: How does the wireless support work?
A: The Zune device can support multiple Zunes that have wireless turned on.  If all the Zunes have the game deployed, and the game is written to work in a multiplayer mode, you can join in and play games with other Zunes.

Q: Are there any limitations on how I can use the music that’s stored on the Zune
A: Any DRM licensed music cannot be played; otherwise you have full access to the music and pictures stored on the Zune.

Q: You mention the Zune will be supported in XNA Game Studio 3.0, what else is supported in XNA Game Studio 3.0?
A: We have not announced any other features for XNA Game Studio 3.0 at this time.

Q: Will XNA Game Studio 3.0 work with Visual Studio 2008?
A: Yes, XNA Game Studio 3.0 will only work with Visual Studio 2008 and Express 2008 SKUs.

Q: When will we be able to try this feature out?
A: We expect to have a preivew of XNA Game Studio 3.0 available in the spring.

Q: What kind of gameplay limitations do I have?
A: With a 240x320 display and a design for one-handed usage, building games on the Zune requires some creative thinking that aligns better with mobile games.  The XNA Community Game Platform team has worked hard to give you the broadest access to the XNA Framework API.

Q: Is the full XNA Framework Graphics API available on Zune?
A: No, The Zune supports 2D graphics through the XNA Framework SpriteBatch API’s. Rendertargets and the ability to directly set pixel data to textures enables developers to be creative with their Zune games.

Q: How much memory is available for Zune games?
A: Games on Zune are limited to 16Mb for code and content.

Q: Does the Zune support Xbox LIVE?
A: No, the Zune doesn’t connectto Xbox LIVE.  All networking takes place over a local ad-hoc wi-fi network.  However, the networking APIs are similar to what is available in XNA Game Studio 2.0.

Joystiq's Live Coverage on Microsoft GDC Keynote

Some key pictures from Engadget:

 Yep that's the games tab on the main menu!

 

 Zauri?? Anyway it looks like you can't send games via Zune Wireless.

 

 

 Looks like Space Invaders? 

 

 The Zune 80 Touchpad in motion!

 

 

You can also listen to your music while you play! 

 

Engadget  

 

EDIT BY MITCH

Here are some more hands on pictures taken from Engadget. I'm just posting 3, there are about 8 or 9 if you go to the Engadget link.

 

 

  

Comments
Add NewSearch
gabe   | 69.224.36.xxx | 2008-02-20 12:45:43
woohoo!
Jzune   | 72.166.1.xxx | 2008-02-20 12:56:23
I read its only for new zune though can anyone confirm? maybe the 30 gig will get other games i hope so.
Anonymous   | 72.175.136.xxx | 2008-02-26 17:08:58
the games can play on all models even the 30 gig it is one of the first FAQ's
Tobososlow   | 71.155.242.xxx | 2008-02-20 13:47:15
At this website the first question asks if it will only be on new Zunes and the reply is that it will work on all current Zunes, check it out.

http://forums.xna.com/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=46553
Jason Wright     | 67.137.29.xxx | 2008-02-20 13:55:58
I really want this now! I have been waiting long enough.
Dustin Grey - Sweet   | 209.159.226.xxx | 2008-02-20 14:03:55
I can deal with the preview in the spring, hell I'm sure my Zune will last another year for the full version. I don't plan on upgrading from the Zune30 for quite a while.
Anonymous   | 216.163.2.xxx | 2008-02-20 14:17:27
this is GREAT news
Zazuneafoon   | Registered | 2008-02-20 15:03:05
This is just amazing, I'm going nuts right now. So cool
NightFire   | 75.41.204.xxx | 2008-02-20 15:42:48
Gotta admit one thing, Microsoft is definately moving along quickly. They did choose a good time to come out with the Zune back in '06.

Was Apple even this fast?
Mitch - Hopeful   | Publisher | 2008-02-20 17:10:14
Hopefully this comes out sooner rather than later.
Anonymous   | 71.165.169.xxx | 2008-02-20 17:58:17
this got my pussy wet
John   | 24.34.14.xxx | 2008-02-20 18:04:26
Maybe someone can write a "game" that displays the time
Fenvy - YAY   | 69.234.220.xxx | 2008-02-20 18:05:49
This is exciting. Tetris, please, tetris!
Anonymous   | 98.224.80.xxx | 2008-02-20 18:57:57
A-drew   | 68.88.140.xxx | 2008-02-20 20:04:17
Ipod u can kiss my dick zune is kicking ur ass and taking names

i want this lol
TheBigP     | 69.209.127.xxx | 2008-02-23 13:51:34
You know the ifanboys are gonna have a field day tho about how you can't send the games wirelessly.
Social my ass.
That's the one thing I would want to send.
Diazari   | 72.189.36.xxx | 2008-02-20 21:02:27
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AA
jaybee   | 24.61.233.xxx | 2008-02-20 21:42:10
I can't handle this we can't add games...

I think I'm going to wet myself...
1ofamillion   | 64.130.167.xxx | 2008-02-21 05:37:25
this is so friken awesome!!
Anonymous   | 128.151.71.xxx | 2008-02-21 06:32:20
i cant wait!
Anonymous   | 216.188.212.xxx | 2008-02-21 07:23:59
Well, after all the & #34;WHYDO3NSTT3HZUNE
H4V3GAMES?!" threads, I guess microsoft HAD to comply.

Well, new features (possibly) to expect on zune,

1)Games!
2)Clock
3)Internet
4)Custom Firmware
5)(the above means ANYTHING is possible)
frag - BAH   | 70.145.0.xxx | 2008-02-22 03:09:02
My biggest question is, will this just be for the Zune 2?

Since the control scheme would be different.
frag   | 70.145.0.xxx | 2008-02-22 03:10:07
Nevermind, I missed it
Antiapplekid - Cant Wait   | Registered | 2008-02-22 12:57:26
Cant wait for this to come out
Anonymous   | 209.191.209.xxx | 2008-02-23 05:19:52
I am looking forward to the games but am concerned about the Zunes control buttons going bad
jbhk - kljmilk     | 209.68.98.xxx | 2008-02-27 07:53:33
kojnmiokl
rob - yes     | 209.68.98.xxx | 2008-02-27 07:54:26
shelby   | 150.176.212.xxx | 2008-02-29 07:31:48

what a GREAT
8007859 - awsome   | Registered | 2008-03-06 13:15:56
this is awsome wireless game saring this is just one more step in outdoing the i-pod
Write comment
Name:
Email:
 
Website:
Title:
UBBCode:
[b] [i] [u] [url] [quote] [code] [img] 
 
 
 
Security Image
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 February 2008 )
 
< Prev   Next >


Zunited PodcastZunited.net Podcast: Now the OFFICIAL Sponsored Podcast for Zune Boards!

 Hello Zune Boards! I'm Teccom747, the Administrator of Zunited.net and the host of the...
+ More Details

More Podcasts

    Polls

    What is your gender?
     
    What color is your Zune?
     
    How many Zune accessories do you have?
     



    Accessory ReviewsReview: Kicker ZK500

    Brand:  KickerItem Description: Kicker ZK500Manufacturer's Suggested Retail...
    + Full Review

    More Reviews
    Editorials2-Toned Zunes

    Ever get bored with your old zune 30 and thought about spicing it up? Well, try adding a little...
    + Full Story

    More Editorials
    Tip of the WeekHow to Install Games on Your Zune

    A forum member, runtohell121, explains in this thread how to install games on your Zune. Hit the...
    + Full Tip

    More Tips
    Zune NewsZune, coming to a classroom near you?

    Eric Langhorst, Missouri’s Teacher of the Year, has been recognized nationwide for his innovative...
    + Full Story

    More News and Rumors