7 replies to this topic

[iamcreasy]

Is it possible to make games in C++ for XBLA without buying DevKit for Microsoft?

[Cornstalks]

No.

[6677]

Actually it is. Although all documentation for the XNA framework is in C# it can be accessed from managed C++ aswell as VB.net and iron python or any other .net language.

I must say that there still might be the chance that they don't let XNA games that are non C# onto the xbox though, I actually don't know on that front. But XNA itself works in C++ for .net.

[Cygon]

You can access XNA through C++/CLI, but unlike C# or VB.NET, C++/CLI generates a mix of native and MSIL code. Even if you avoided the whole libc, had no free functions and made all your classes .NET classes (and you still consider that C++ code), it would still output a mixed mode assembly. Mixed mode assemblies sadly can not be run on the Xbox 360 via XNA.

The XDK can only be downloaded by XBLA developers. To become one, you need either good connections to Microsoft, a game to pitch or a proven track record. XDKs have also been circulated on file sharing sites, but these are obviously illegal.

There has been an effort to create an Open Source XDK some time ago, but it appears abandoned: http://openxdk.maturion.de/ - I have no idea how far you can get with that.

[Cornstalks]

Actually it is. Although all documentation for the XNA framework is in C# it can be accessed from managed C++ aswell as VB.net and iron python or any other .net language.

I must say that there still might be the chance that they don't let XNA games that are non C# onto the xbox though, I actually don't know on that front. But XNA itself works in C++ for .net.

XBLA games don't have to use XNA + C#, but you do have to sign a contract with Microsoft. To get a game on the Xbox Live Indie Games arcade list, you cannot use C++ (even managed C++) (they want you to use C# or VB.Net). Yes, you can use XNA from C++, but you still can't get it on XBLA without a contract with Microsoft (and you can't get it on Xbox Live Indie Games either).

Edited by Cornstalks, 25 June 2012 - 08:18 AM.

[iamcreasy]

To get a game on the Xbox Live Indie Games arcade list, you cannot use C++ (even managed C++) (they want you to use C# or VB.Net)...

But, Braid , Super Meat Boy are written using C++ and they are on XBLA. Arn't they?

Yes, you can use XNA from C++, but you still can't get it on XBLA without a contract with Microsoft (and you can't get it on Xbox Live Indie Games either).

So, is it like what Cygon said, I have to use

XNA through C++/CLI?

Edited by iamcreasy, 30 June 2012 - 02:46 PM.

[Cornstalks]

To get a game on the Xbox Live Indie Games arcade list, you cannot use C++ (even managed C++) (they want you to use C# or VB.Net)...

But, Braid , Super Meat Boy are written using C++ and they are on XBLA. Arn't they?

They are. They also bought devkits. Braid cost $200,000 to make (most of it went to the artist); buying a devkit was a drop in the bucket, I'm sure.

Yes, you can use XNA from C++, but you still can't get it on XBLA without a contract with Microsoft (and you can't get it on Xbox Live Indie Games either).

So, is it like what Cygon said, I have to use

XNA through C++/CLI?

No. You have to use C# or Visual Basic and stick with Xbox Live Indie Games, or you have to buy a devkit.


XBLA and Xbox Live Indie Games are not the same thing. XBLA is for people with contracts and devkits. Xbox Live Indie Games doesn't require you to buy a devkit, but you are stuck with C# or Visual Basic and XNA.

[iamcreasy]

@Cornstalks

Thank you. This clear things up.