Xbox Development system...Hmmm, read through the listing and tell me that this isn't just some geezer trying to sell free Microsoft software to the unwary at £24.99 plus £2.50 P&P (S&H). I have contacted the seller twice now asking how his / her particular "product" differs from software freely available on the net and only just got a reply (see below). http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/XBOX-360-DEVELOPMENT-PACK_W0QQitemZ290095659180QQcategoryZ112846QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem I got the following response: "Hi there. What I am actually 'selling' are my developed game samples along with the software and also the fact that I am happy to offer any support on this product or in developing a 360 application. Kind regards, Emma" Gee, that's great she states "ANY support...in developing a 360 application". So, If (me being a total noob) wanted to develop something like "Halo 4" for instance, do you think she would be prepared to walk me through every step of the way for £24.99? I wonder precisely what expertise, support & advice you can purchase from anyone for that sum of cash? I mean, if I were auctioning that package I'd be wary and limit my involvement with purchasers as my 'phone may never stop ringing day & night, the email box might fill up! The more successful the auction, the more likelihood I'd be regretting mentioning "free support and advice..." - there is after all no time limit mentioned! Hmmm, I was (mistakenly) under the impression that anything produced using XNA could not be sold, samples or otherwise? I went digging around in the basic Q & A of XNA and was surprised to note the following: Q: Can I use the XNA Game Studio Express or XNA Framework to build a commercial Xbox 360 game? A: XNA Game Studio Express lets you create Windows and now Xbox 360 console games much more easily. These games are limited to non-commercial scenarios for 360 titles created with XNA Game Studio Express. However, XNA Game Studio Express may be used to create commercial games which target Windows. We plan to release XNA Game Studio Professional next year which will allow developers to create commercial games for the Xbox 360 in addition to Windows. So really this person appears to be perfectly entitled to develop samples and sell them, but frankly the listing is somewhat misleading - there is no suggestion of what sample, how many, what quality or where they relate to anything in particular. If anyone is interested in this sort of vagueness, I have a pile of "samples" (I shall call them) I produced on an Amstrad CPC back in 1980 something. They are shite, and are totally useless, but for £25.00 you too could own them! When you download XNA and go fishing, there are actually samples and tutorials on how to produce basic 2D titles like "Asteroids" and other classics. They are free, they also build up in a monthly guide that I have been going through recently. Much more fun doing it yourself! XNA already comes with samples & documentation, why would you need to purchase anything else? Getting some personal help is always useful, yet Emma's life would be a misery if she genuinely wished to assist me on a regular basis. The MS "Help" section is absolutely great. And I fear that once the £25.00 was paid and the £2.50 (why not just send me the links for free) that all additional assistance would Peter out and disappear beyond the actual install. There is nothing in the auction to hold the seller to her word. Anyone like me who is new to games development & programming looking at this auction seriously should consider just getting "Windows Game Programming for dummies" by Andre LaMonthe for £22.50. Read it, use it's FREE samples and online advice plus download XNA and using it's VAST database of samples and support. This particular auction has been bugging me for months and I just think it's money for old rope. No offense to the seller, I just fail to see what you are getting for your money! Rant over!
yeah I've also seen those auctions. thought I came pretty fast to the conclusion that this must be some a$$ trying to sell XNA Game Studio Express as the XeDK
Yeah, the entire auction seems designed and set to entrap people with less experience, which I personally find frustrating. I hate seeing people ripped off and I genuinely dislike to see anyone taking an interest in this area finding their lack of knowledge is being prayed upon.
