Zune XNA games preview release aimed for May

Microsoft's still isn't solid on a final consumer release date for XNA games for the Zune, but they are aiming for the first CTP (community technology preview) to be released in May. We also learned that Zune games can support ad-hoc wireless play with up to eight players, the devices won't support any hardware 3D acceleration, the "16MB for storing games" we heard before actually refers to how much Zune RAM games can take over, and Microsoft's got at least four games running on the platform (which may or may not ever be released to the public): Zauri (which we've already seen -- video after the break), as well as Hexic, Potato Chase, and Alien Takeover.

[Ninjakamster (PSN: Chin-Poh) @ May 5th 2008 1:35PM]

And by "All Zunes", they mean the 2nd generation models?

Too bad these won't work on the 1st gen.

[Jagannath A @ May 5th 2008 1:39PM]

are you blind can't you see the pic for some more time ?

[Ninjakamster (PSN: Chin-Poh) @ May 5th 2008 1:45PM]

Of course I'm blind, look at my avatar and my squinty eyes. : D

[saab900 @ May 5th 2008 10:19PM]

Are you retarted or are you just an idiot?

[Jherez @ May 5th 2008 10:49PM]

He's an idiot...

[catachip @ May 5th 2008 1:41PM]

No hardware acceleration? Sorry, even with only one physical button,
the amazing graphics capabilities and frameworks we saw exhibited for
iPhone games are going to blow any other ad-hoc PMP gaming out of the
water, especially with all these big game studios on board.

I believe the iPhone will do for portable PMP gaming what the Wii did
for console gaming - that is to change the game. People will write
games with the 3D motion sensor and touch interface in mind (similar
idea to the GB, but without the stylus).

[Kris @ May 5th 2008 1:53PM]

Why would you even compare this to the iPhone? First off, there is no Zune phone and secondly you can't compare the Zune with the iPod Touch because it's not comparable nor near the same price point.

The Class iPods, which you can compare the Zune to, does not have accelerated hardware but Zune adds the multiplayer angle to allow some really cool games.

I think you're underestimating the Zune and overestimated the iPhone. Both are great devices and both are in different markets and price points.

[Saad Rabia @ May 5th 2008 2:16PM]

I like how you compared the Zune to the iPhone; This of course shows how you are giving the Zune huge respect by putting it in a genre more powerful than it should! :)

I love my Zune 80, and would love to play some games on it every once in a while; for better 3D-accelerated gaming experience I use an Xbox 360.

[Sy @ May 5th 2008 2:24PM]

Because the iPhone is similar to a thing called the iPod Touch. They both use the same graphical system.

[rahul @ May 5th 2008 2:30PM]

Given that you are quite happy comparing unrelated devices, i am perfectly justified in pointing out that gaming on the iphone still isnt gonna be comparable to PSP.

[EMForce @ May 5th 2008 2:39PM]

WTF who cares if you can play retro games on your zune, its pathetic that ipod so called "competitor" doesn't even have a touch screen device but you have a whole bunch touch clones in japan, has zune firmware even been hacked? and the lack of tactical controls deny it anything useful, not even worth a GBA,NES emulator

[rxse7en @ May 5th 2008 2:46PM]

Rahul,

Here's a breakdown comparison between PSP, DS and iPhone:

http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/03/20/iphone-20-sdk-video-games-to-rival-nintendo-ds-sony-psp/

[Nohone @ May 5th 2008 4:28PM]

@rxse7en

I would not take that article as an unbiased review. For example, the title of the first chart is "Video Game Consoles 2007: Wii, PS3 and the Death of Microsoft’s Xbox 360". It shows the 360 trailing only the Wii, but the 360 is dying? Yes, the PS3 has outsold the 360 a few months this year, but when the PS3 has 7million+ deficit to overcome, 30,000 consoles more/month hardly means that the 360 is dead.

I also find it amusing that the complaint against Microsoft for years was that you had to sign code, and siging code does not assure quality, security, etc. And now, Apple is touting that signing is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Of course, they are using it more to exclude the riff-raff from developing for their device, but that is OK because Apple locking down their devices - OK, Microsoft locking down their devices - bad.

There are also other "gems" in that article, nowhere has it been said that Microsoft is charging for people to write games for the Zune. I would like to know where they got that 70% of revenues for Zune games goes to Microsoft, especially since there is no charging for games been announced yet. Apple has said that they are charging people to put games up on iTunes, but no mention of that. The 70% is for some XBLA games, if developers want to pay that price. This 70% is the cost of publishing, Microsoft's share for hosting the games, localization, going through ESRB, etc. If you want to do all that work yourself, then all you need is to pay for MS hosting the game and certification (making sure it does not conflict with other games). How is that any different than what Apple is doing?

Then there is this quote "...Microsoft won’t allow outside development, not because of security issues, but because that’s where Microsoft hopes to make the majority of its money." Um, no outside development on a Zune? This is exactly what XNA for Zune is, outside, 3rd party, user generated development. There will probably be a store in the Zune software where you can buy games, but I can write a game and give it to a friend to use (then they say that 360 sales are in "freefall" now, which does not help thir credibility).

I have an iPhone, and while it is good (ignoring Safari crashing daily, and other problems), it is not a general purpose gaming machine. It will do some games well, but not all. You cannot do a shooter where you are moving your hands all over the screen, blocking you from seeing what is happening. Unless you put controls off to the side, which will take up a majority of the screen. The Zune with the touch pad (Zune 1 willl do it, but how you need to click the button is a bit of a problem) is much better for controlling. Notice I said that in the present tense rather than future tense, it is because I have played Zune games - a friend of mine works on the XNA software and I have personally used it on his Zune.

[raging_hamsterx @ May 5th 2008 6:38PM]

It's called the DS

[LJKelley @ May 5th 2008 1:42PM]

Can't wait for the awesome games. Hexic ought to be a great time waster. It would be awesome if it intergrates with Xbox Live and you can do achievements as well with the new games...

[Blaine Oliver @ May 5th 2008 2:26PM]

Seriously this time, will it play doom?

I mean that honestly, i will get a zune if they play doom.

[Zeus.:God @ May 5th 2008 3:08PM]

Chances are, yes.

[Ace b @ May 5th 2008 8:55PM]

So will you possibly be able to port some games from XBLA for the zune?Or can they at least make some that could go both ways?

Cause that would be soo kick ass to play The Dishwasher on the Zune 80.

[LJKelley @ May 5th 2008 1:46PM]

But with the iPhone you have only one screen so as your two thumbs try to do two differentent things you won't be able to see what it is you are trying to do it.

And do tell me why if the Wii was so revolutionary why about 6 million copies of GTA4 sold and it still uses the boring old controllers. My sister has a Wii and when I visited her bowling was extremely fun but games like GTA4 with shooting and moving were awkward and I much prefer the 360 controller.

Like i'm excited about Hexic... boring game but great time waster. How can you play that with touch? I don't see it. Or games like Tetris etc... quit being such a fanboi and realize that buttons do serve a purpose.

[Gary Combs @ May 5th 2008 1:54PM]

"And do tell me why if the Wii was so revolutionary why about 6 million copies of GTA4 sold and it still uses the boring old controllers. My sister has a Wii and when I visited her bowling was extremely fun but games like GTA4 with shooting and moving were awkward and I much prefer the 360 controller."

Nobody said the "boring old controllers" weren't fun. But using that to diminish the Wii's success would be like, well illogical.

Anyway, can't wait for some games on my zune.

[Mitch @ May 5th 2008 1:58PM]

Yeah, but there is no lowercase I in Zune therefore it sucks.....

Anywhoo back to the discussion at hand, 3d isn't a must have for me on something that I originally bought to play my music, games is just a small bonus. And when you say it will do what the Wii did, do you mean was peoples money? I mean cmon, the Wii is revolutionary but not that sweet unless you are under the age of 13 or older than 40 catachip.

[LJKelley @ May 5th 2008 2:05PM]

I was replying to the iPhone comment above but it didn't stick. Anyways my POINT was not to dismiss the Wii but rather say that old methods of gaming are JUST AS VALID as new revolutionary methods and if GTA 4 is something to go by it proves the masses love the methods they are accustomed to.

[Phoenix @ May 5th 2008 2:38PM]

Shooting and moving games aren't awkward, I find the Wii remote/nunchuk far more intuitive for aiming because I'm actually pointing at the TV.

[Homeboy @ May 5th 2008 1:54PM]

What is exactly meant by "community technology preview"?? Haven't they already previewed the bloody games?? My Z80 is hungry for some gaming action.

[EMForce @ May 5th 2008 1:57PM]

if the zune is supposed to compete with the ipod were the hell is the zune response to the touch??????? anybody think about that

[Daren @ May 5th 2008 2:03PM]

who says they need one. the touch does the same thing as the zune models/other ipod models for 2x the price...

[EMForce @ May 5th 2008 2:22PM]

the zune has a web browser? and tons of apps? a nice slick touch interface? built in toaster?? No thats right they dnt. im no apple fan boy, thats why i want a touch zune, ps: no bult in toaster

[Abuzar @ May 5th 2008 4:15PM]

Yeah no built in Toaster!!!

I want my Zune Phone to have a built in Blender!

[Mitch @ May 5th 2008 7:43PM]

You're an idiot, just because it is an iPod doesn't mean they are competing, lets compare Apple TV to Vista Ultimate since they both play tv, and you can watch Movies on them. Vista wins even if you don't like it.

[Extinction @ May 5th 2008 6:22PM]

The second gen Zunes have a touch-sensitive Squircle...

[neopeanut @ May 5th 2008 1:58PM]

anyone else notice they're using the shin's album as the cover art?!

Pretty sweet...

altho the games thing seems too little too late for it to really catch on...

[catachip @ May 5th 2008 2:34PM]

Time to put zee ear googles on!

[Jeremy Miller @ May 5th 2008 2:00PM]

And by all Zunes, they mean all Zunes. You're an idiot.

[Ninjakamster (PSN: Chin-Poh) @ May 5th 2008 2:18PM]

Your right, my embarrassing bad. I guess I wanted to be first comment so fast I didn't read carefully. : D

[DG @ May 5th 2008 2:28PM]

Why would being first comment be important to anyone? I don't get that.

[Cassini @ May 6th 2008 3:36AM]

"Why would being first comment be important to anyone?"

Couldn't say exactly. I guess it's sort of like a "Greg Packer" thing.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 2:16PM]

Thanks for the video preview. It's always good to show users the quality of the actual games that will play with the Zune. Quite subpar from the looks of it. Without 3D capabilities, it will continue that way. I suppose it should be good enough to pacify current Zune owners.

[bob e @ May 5th 2008 2:31PM]

The Wii also has subpar graphics and that doesn't seem to keep people from buying them :>

[Zeus.:God @ May 5th 2008 3:13PM]

Seriously, what is your goal when posting in Zune articles? All you ever try to do is annoy Zune owners and all you ever end up doing is making yourself look more like the complete fanboy that you are.

Shoo, fly.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 3:20PM]

Why are you upset? I'm just pointing out the subpar quality of the games being introduced for the Zune. You don't want users to be misinformed by the likes of you do you? My observations are correct and accurate. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Abuzar @ May 5th 2008 4:17PM]

Just like the subpar video, games, Wifi, and Radio capabilities of the iPod Classic?

Go away. No one likes you anyway.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 4:30PM]

Quite amazing that you represent everyone on the planet. If such is the case, then we are in a dilemma. Based on your previous post, the language you use, your demeanor, one would be quite embarrassed to be even remotely associated with you. As I have stated before, I'm merely pointing out the subpar quality of games for the Zune. No more, no less.

[Zeus.:God @ May 5th 2008 4:53PM]

Anything I ever claim to be fact, is, indeed, fact. I, unlike you, don't go into every iPod or Mac article I can find and try to badmouth them or Apple like you do for no reason. I don't deny the obvious or the truth like you do. If anything, you're the deluded one here, and the worst candidate to be spreading any information whatsoever.

You claim to only be pointing out the "subpar quality of the games on Zune", yet the ONLY one shown so far has been a top down shooter, much like 1942 (only in space). How could you possibly base any opinion off that? It would be like me basing the iPhone's games on that parachute game from the old iPods- they aren't impressive, and aren't a definitive example of what the system is capable of. Stop being such a dumb-shit and go back to TUAW before you make yourself look even more like a fool.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 5:11PM]

Actually users who post profanity are the ones that are frowned upon or look quite foolish. It basically shows the entire world your immaturity with dealing facts. It also shows your inability to debate logically with anyone. Childish tantrums that you have exhibit throughout our exchanges only enforces your nature. You may be an adult in age, but mentally, you are quite immature.

[Zeus.:God @ May 5th 2008 5:27PM]

Really? Spouting lies and hating a company for no reason other than preferring another as well as making it a point to cause problems and arguments among posters is pretty childish and immature.

You're such a fool, man. A well spoken fool, but a fool nonetheless. You're not worthy of my time.

[Abuzar @ May 5th 2008 5:32PM]

I suppose you do have a point there. You are being less of a fanboy today. Good Job.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 5:37PM]

Of course I am worthy of your time. In-fact I can see that you have even emulated a section on some of my own comments in verbatim. You see? I have already helped you broaden your mind.

[Mitch @ May 5th 2008 7:43PM]

Jubei your missing the point, the Zune isn't a gaming device, everyone that has it now didn't buy it for the games since there are none, second, no games are being released (by ms as far as we know), just the ability to create your own and distribute them. Ever since the release of the iTouch and iPhone iPod users have forgotten that there is the Classic with which the Zune is competing and obviously dominating, no iPod user will even compare them, they just jump right up to the flash based touch/phone which is basically a watered down UMPC.

[Jubei @ May 5th 2008 11:21PM]

@Mitch

Before you make a blanket statement that the iPods are dominated by the Zune. Are you stating domination by sales? I certainly hope so. I'd love to see the numbers. I and most everyone were expecting sales numbers from MS. But alas, none were giving. Since you seem to be privy to such information. Why don't you post this quarter sales that dominates the iPod as you confidently state. I hope you don't disappoint. Post the sales for the quarter and a link from MS. I await your response.

[Arnob @ May 6th 2008 12:05AM]

Sorry, but if you believe that foul language or the way something is said is what makes it worthy to listen to or not, then you are amazingly inept. You know what, saying this in the nicest way possible, I really dislike Jews. They have funny noses, talk with a ridiculous accent, and own everything. That previous statement was simple generalizing, and well said if I say so myself. You're obviously absolutely right, speaking this way DOES make me seem more intelligent than anyone that was 'rude,' and the message being communicated really doesn't matter.

sidenote: for those of you that lose all sense of sarcasm when on the internet, i don't hate jews