For those who wish to, you can do
all you programming assignments based on the XNA framework, then you will be able to run your assignment
either on PC or on the XBOX 360 console.
BEFORE you read on, ask
yourself this question: should I consider
working on the XBOX 360? If you are not really sure, then, don’t! Remember, this class is quite a bit of work as is. To work
with new APIs means you will probably have to spend even more time. Here are
some issues you should be concerned with:
1.
Unknowns: This is a relatively new technology, there are some of unknowns. Since
this is not part of our class work, I can only support you on the side.
2.
Programming Environment: You will be working in a completely
different environment:
a.
IDE: XNA Games Studio Express, this is very similar to Visual Studio but it
is not the same.
b.
API: XNA Framework, this is a slight wrapping over the DX9, but it works
differently.
c.
Programming Language: C#, not C++.
If you are still reading, thank you.
I admire your persistent! And believe me your persistence is well worth it! We
learn computer graphics concepts in class, if you dedicate the time to apply
the concept in this new and different technology, not only will you end up
learning more, your assignments will be that much cooler and that much more
fun. Most importantly, your resume will be that much more impressive! Not only
do you have hands-on experience on one of the cutting edge technology, the
motivation, self-discipline, and dedication you have demonstrated will
certainly attract future employer’s attention!
In addition, if you need the income,
and do well in this class, I will very much like to pay you to work with me to
integrate your work into our library! Imagine, cool assignments, get paid, good
references (from me), pretty resume, _and_ getting paid. Can life be better?
Well, it will be hard work … but then again, you never know, past students got
their pictures taken for the news papers (UWeek, and Daily) for all we know, if you do a good job,
may be we can get you on some TV somewhere? J
OK enough rambling,
here are some details …If you are still reading, GREAT! Here is what you need
to do:
1.
IDE:
a.
You will
be working with Visual C# Express. You can download a free version from here.
b.
You will
also need to download the service pack 1.
c.
You will
need to download XNA Game Studio Express.
2.
Documentations:
a.
For the
IDE: XNA Games Studio Express.
b.
For the
API: XNA Framework class library documentation
(this is also available off the help menu from the XNA Games Studio Express).
3.
On-line
discussions: This is MSDN XNA discussion bulletin. As in all
on-line discussion sites, this place has many useful information,
unfortunately, it also contains many not very helpful (and sometimes even
misleading discussions). Read with care, and watch out, sites like these can
easily take up your entire day!
I
played around with the XNA API slightly, it is
basically a wrapping over DX9. Here
are some simple examples:
You can download the zip
files, uncompress, compile into XBOX 360 executable, and follow these instructions to load your
program to the XBOX 360. Both Peter and Robert defined their project to run on
the PC.
If you want to work with your
home PC and XBOX 360 console please contact me to gain access to a XNA Creators
Club account. If you are interested in obtaining an account for yourself: it
costs $99- a year to subscribe to the XNA Creators Club (here is how). The CSS has one Creators Club subscription:
Gamer Profile: cssxna
Email Login: cssxna@hotmail.com
Password: contact Kelvin (ksung@u.washington.edu)
On the XBOX unit that is
towards the front of the Windows Lab (hostname is: xna), cssnxa is the default
gamer profile. You should be able to load your XNA games onto this unit. Here
are the steps:
1.
On your laptop:
a.
make sure you have the IDC (C# Express) and the API (XNA
Framework) installed.
b.
Windows XP
Firewall setting: Control Panel->Windows Firewall: Exceptions Tab. Scroll
down to find “XNA Game Studio Transport” enable this
exception.
c.
Bring an Ethernet
cable to plug-in wire network
connection, such that your laptop is on the same subnet as the XBOX unit.
2.
Start the C#
Express, Under Tools->Options: Expand “XNA Game Studio” under XBOX 360, add:
a.
Xbox360 Name: xna
b.
Connection Key: generate a new connection key on the XBOX.
3.
At this point,
you have all the required settings and you can start download and test your XNA
games!
Warnings: