Zune Thoughts: More Deets on XNA

After yesterday's exciting announcement, a lot of questions were still left unanswered. Fortunately, through the magic of internet forums, we're better able to get a sense of what's in store

To begin:

"...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... [Also] the ability to have multiple Zunes wirelessly engage in an ad-hoc gaming experience."

And now for the juicy details. Head over to the XNA forums for the full scoop:

• All Zunes (4, 8, 30, and 80) will get this update, but it seems that only the 4, 8, and 80 will be able to use the touch support, for obvious reasons
• Games can't be sent wirelessly to a friend, but multiplayer is available through the wireless functionality—finally, useful!
• Games are limited to 16 MB for all code and content, and due to hardware limitations only games in 2D (though SpriteBatch) are supported.
• .ccgame files aren't supported in the preview release, but they're coming (a.k.a. you can't create your own games just yet)
• Users can select their own playlists and music to be played in the background, but DRM (Marketplace) tracks need not apply. Must be a DRM protection mechanism.
• Still doesn't connect to Xbox Live, but we're getting closer!
• XNA 3.0 is expected to be in preview by the Spring, and they'll release the final version in late '08.

I can't wait!