Microsoft have just released the Beta version of their game creation software, Game Studio Express!

Very exciting news for anyone with the know-how or at least the blind faith that they themselves can create an awesome 360 game. I myself prefer to not know how useless I would be in that arena but hey, you can't hit a home run if you don't swing! If there's grass in the infield, play ball! And any other ridiculous baseball metaphor here!

"XNA Game Studio Express enables individuals and small teams to more easily create video games using new, optimized cross-platform gaming libraries for Windows and Xbox 360. This beta release targets the development of games for Windows. The final version of XNA Game Studio Express will be available this holiday season and will enable development of games which target Windows and upon purchase of a XNA Creators Club subscription, the Xbox 360 as well."

They also stress on the download page that this is merely the BETA version and by no means final. They hope to have a more complete version available by the holidays.

When I was 14 I drew up all these plans for a game that was a blatant Ghosts N' Goblins rip-off mixed with a blatant Castlevania rip-off starring an elf in a suit of armor who shot magical arrows. His name was Orik. Which is also the name of a vacuum manufacturer though spelled slightly different.

Who knows where Orik would be now had I been able to tap into my obvious flare for rip-offery? Don't make the same mistakes I did and download this now!

Get XNA Game Studio Express BETA HERE.