Microsoft announces XNA 2.0

At Microsoft's Gamefest 2007, the company announced that its XNA Game Studio applications will be merged into one product-XNA 2.0.

Microsoft had originally planned to split XNA into professional and amateur packages.

"We made the decision to make one Game Studio. We think everyone should have access to the same tool," said XNA general manager Chris Satchell. "There should be no friction as you move from accessible development to professional development."

Licensed XNA developers will have access to extra plugin libraries, however. All developers will have access to Xbox Live through XNA 2.0, which will support matchmaking and voice-chat.

Torpex Games' "Schizoid," available later in the year, will be the first Xbox Live Arcade game created with XNA. Microsoft has also said that the top four winners of its XNA Dream-Build-Play contest, announced at Gamefest, will be able to have their games published on Xbox Live.