GDC08: How to download free XNA game previews

The mysterious XNA curtain has been pulled back revealing not only a new community friendly XNA / Xbox Live service, but also seven XNA game demos for everyone to enjoy. But you don't have to be on the GDC show floor to try out these little XNA gems, no sir. All you need to do is hop onto Xbox Live and get your download on. Though, the process for downloading XNA games is a bit different, so let us break it down for you.

First, you'll have to download the XNA Game Launcher off the XBLM. You can find the this little doodad by going to New Releases > Game Content > XNA Creators Club. Once that 7MB file downloads, make your way to your XNA Game Launcher by heading to your Games blade > Games Library > My Games > XNA Creators Club. Here you'll be able to press "Y" and download all seven XNA trial games for free. Once you find a game and download it, you'll then be able to launch your demo from the same location. That's it, all done. And to get you started, we've posted a description of all seven downloadable XNA game demos after the break. Find something that appeals to you and give 'er a download. Oh, and have some fun too.

• JellyCar: Created by Walaber from the United States, this game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds, trying to reach the exit.

• Little Gamers: This is a 2-D high definition action side-scroller based on the famous Web comic "Little Gamers" created by Loïc Dansart, a 24-year-old software developer from Belgium.

• The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai: An intense 2-D action platform game created by James Silva from the United States, "The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai" has a unique, highly stylized look and fast and fluid action.

• TriLinea: This puzzle game created by Edison S. Prata Jr., Renato Pelizzari da Silva and Davi da Silva Prata from Brazil mixes fast-paced action with strategy.

• RocketBall: Created by Tyler Wanlass, Patrick Murty and Todd Barrons of the United States, this neighborhood game of dodgeball explodes onto the street with fast-paced multiplayer action.

• ProximityHD: This game, created by Brian Cable from the United States, takes the essence of strategy games - battles for control of territory and armies - and distills it down to a simple, easy-to-understand set of rules for casual players.

• Culture: Created by independent game development company Hidden Path Entertainment from the United States, "Culture" contains challenging games and puzzles based on beautiful flowers.