A few interesting topics for conversation this week. Microsoft will no longer manufacture HD DVD units for Xbox. No big surprise with the launch of their on demand download service, HD movies can be downloaded at a fraction of the cost (for rental). HD-DVD never hit the main stream in UK. Another factor in Microsoft ditching their Xbox DVD player was that Toshiba admit Blu-ray will be the next standard media format for HD TV. So besides Toshiba Vs. Sony, no other main contender was in the race to create the next de facto HD format.
I would like to say “I’ve seen Blu-ray at its best”, truthfully the showroom’s demonstration I witness using a 42” Plasma with a Blu-ray Vs DVD honestly looked like “VHS vs bad reception”. If the demo isn’t up to A1 standard someone should just pull the plug. Comet salesmen are a fierce breed, before I knew it I was talking 3-yr cover plan extended warranty, on the foundation of the said experience.
Xbox Live will soon provide free independent games to download. Microsoft is releasing a new type of software development kit for novices to write their own Xbox games. The software kits of yesteryear for PC game development had the basics to tinker with pre-installed templates to easily create something un-wholly-playable. My first attempt at writing a 3d game was in directdraw with C++, the game was blocky, but the rendering and game engine techniques were highly enjoyable. I did revisit direct 3d game development at Uni as part of my software engineering degree, but never pursed game development as a career.
Besides Xbox homebrew, Nintendo is also making developing Wii ware applications possible for techno gameplayers looking to take gaming to the next level. More to follow..
