Retrospective III

Last year, I conducted a simple retrospective for 2010. Therefore, here is a retrospective for 2011.

2011 Achievements

Integrate agile software methodologies into XNA game development Reference to XNA and Unit Testing by George Clingerman on XNA Notes Give presentation on System and Unit testing within game development Build C++ game engine to extend knowledge of DirectX/XNA interaction Purchase Windows Phone 7 book. Begin WP7 and Xbox game project Assist over 1,000 Indies in 50 regions plus with XNA and TAX Publish article on XNA and Breaking into the Games Industry Write lots more game code as Independent and Professional Note: receiving acknowledgement by George Clingerman on XNA Notes is an achievement!

2012 Objectives

Promote quality in game development using agile software methodologies Incorporate three dimensional graphics into game development projects Monitor the future of XNA, XBLIG, and the Microsoft Indie gaming scene Explore alternative Indie game development distribution channels

In 2010, there was much concern from the developer community as Indie Games were hidden under Specialty Shops as part of the Xbox dashboard update.

In 2011, independent game developers responded angrily to the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update:
many feel that the marketplace is again hidden as Indie Games are now presented as a single list.

Also in 2011, the announcement: No XNA support for Metro applications in Windows 8 has prompted much speculation over the future of XNA.

Quote: It is correct that XNA is not supported for developing new style Metro applications in Windows 8. But XNA remains fully supported and recommended for developing on Xbox and Windows Phone, not to mention for creating classic Windows applications (run on XP, Vista, Win7, and Win8 in classic mode).

This report appears reminiscent to the XNA Game Studio 4.0 upgrade: Not for Zune HD.

Fortunately, there is some positive news for Independent game development, especially now as digital distribution is becoming more prevalent in the games industry; various portals such as Big Fish Games and Steam currently distribute the majority of Indie Games on PC and Mac.

There are also independent games distribution websites, such as IndieCity, built to cater exclusively for Indie Games and end discoverability woes for the community.

Therefore, year 2012 appeals to the future of the Microsoft Indie gaming scene compared to alternative Indie Games distribution channels.