Microsoft has announced that it will start offering user-generated games for their Xbox 360 gaming console through the online Xbox Live service.
The company said it will start selling user-generated games later this year on its online Xbox Live service and share as much as 70 percent of the revenue with game developers.
Microsoft began offering game creation tools in 2006 to gamers through its XNA project that allowed developers to create a game for its Xbox 360 or its Zune media player.
Developers will be required to pay a $99-a -year-membership to participate in creating games for the XNA Creators Club. Games will be sold on the Xbox Live Marketplace for three different prices starting at $2.50, $5 or $10 using Microsoft points.
“Not only are we democratizing game development with Xbox LIVE Community Games later this year, but we’re creating an opportunity for aspiring developers to start their careers on the world stage,” said Chris Satchell chief technology officer of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business Group.
By the end of 2008 Microsoft expects games created by users will double the number of games available for the Xbox 360 on the Xbox Live Community Games section.
“It is really a win for both developers and consumers because this will no doubt act as an incentive for game creators to continue to develop the best, most innovative games for Xbox 360,” said Satchell.
