Zune HD gaming and app downloads confirmed: Twitter, Facebook, and 3D games on the way

The promotional video and leaked shots already made it clear but now it's official: the Zune HD will be a gaming and application platform. In addition to a few casual games, calculator and MSN Weather apps pre-loaded onto the Zune HD, the official Microsoft press release touting the launch contains this little nugget of gaming gold:

"Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as "Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition," "Vans Sk8: Pool Service" and "Audiosurf(TM) Tilt." Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software."

Hear that Nintendo, Sony, and Apple? There's a new handheld gaming platform in town. All that remains to be seen is how it will integrate with the Xbox 360.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/zune-hd-3d-gaming-and-app-downloads-confirmed/

Games and applications

It's been almost 2 months since XNA 3.0 CTP was released. Can you believe it? Time goes by so fast when exciting things are up and about. In the 2 months, ZuneBoards has seen huge activity in Game and Application Development. In fact, it was the fastest growing board we've ever seen! So what's all this excitement about? Hit the jump and I will fill you in with the latest games and applications.

Applications

Although applications aren't technically "games," they were inevitable. So far only a handful of applications are released, due to Microsoft's XNA limitations. However, there are a few nifty apps that I'm sure you'll love.

Find out more at Zuneboards.com
http://www.zuneboards.com/editorials/developers-developers-developers.html

Video, XNA Game Studio on Zune

Video: XNA Game Running on a Zune

Zune Game Development

Developers will now have the capability to develop once for all three platforms: the Xbox 360, Windows, and Zune. While developers can write one game and target any platform, cross-platform networking between all three platforms is not supported.

FAQ: http://forums.xna.com/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=46553
Forum: http://forums.xna.com/46557/ShowThread.aspx

Games for Zune!@#

Looks like games are coming for the Zune after all! Microsoft just announced XNA Studio developers will be able to use the Zune as a multiplayer wireless mobile gaming platform. Details are sparse at this point, but it looks like it's going to be second gen Zunes only, since it was specifically mentioned that it'd take advantage of the touchpad controls.




Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/20/

Zune will play games by July 2008

"Microsoft's Peter Moore, chief Xbox-exec and avid bicep tattooer, confirmed a plan to add video games to the Zune (Xune?) at CES yesterday. This would bring the Zune up to speed with the iPod's ability to offer games, albeit several months late. Moore said the Zune's large screen would provide a better platform for handheld gaming, gushing, "I love the interface, I love the screen." We know you do, Peter. We know you do. While this isn't quite what we were thinking when pondering a Microsoft-branded handheld gaming system, everyone's gotta start somewhere (we're looking at you, Zune). Of course, Peter Moore -- perhaps prematurely -- told BusinessWeek last year, "It can't just be our version of the iPod ... in addition to playing music and videos, a Microsoft device would include games." And now it will ... err, rather, it will in about eighteen months."

Source:
http://www.engadget.com