Microsoft to allow homebrew games on XBox Live

With its Gaming Developers Conference 2008 opening keynote, Microsoft has unveiled a service called Xbox Live Community Games.

The service will allow XNA developers to upload their creations to be played by any of the 10 million Xbox Live members, without the previous need for a Creators Club subscription or PC link, in effect creating a 'homebrew' and independent game development and delivery system.

Just over 18 months ago, Microsoft took the bold step of allowing bedroom coders to develop games for the Xbox with it's free XNA development system.

A more detailed outline of their plans can be found on the Develop Magazine's news.