This release represents the beta of Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.0, which enables hobbyists, academics, and independent game developers to easily create video games for Windows and the Microsoft Zune digital media player using optimized cross-platform gaming libraries based on the .NET Framework.

The XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta is a chance to get an early look at XNA Game Studio 3.0, and provide feedback on the product that is currently in development.

Ready to get started? Great! Follow these easy instructions to get going with the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta.

Step 1: Before you Begin….

This is a pre-release version of XNA Game Studio 3.0. Many new features are available for you to try, but Xbox 360 Deployment of your games is not enabled in this pre-release.

If you are already making an Xbox 360 game using XNA Game Studio 2.0, you may either:

* Convert the game to a Windows game project in XNA Game Studio 3.0, continue development, and then convert it to an Xbox 360 project when XNA Game Studio 3.0 reaches its final release.
* Continue using XNA Game Studio 2.0.

Xbox LIVE Community Games will require that your game be created in XNA Game Studio 3.0, so we encourage you to download the Beta and try the new features.

In addition, XNA Game Studio 3.0 and Visual Studio 2008 does not interfere with XNA Game Studio 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005, so even if you decide to continue your project in XNA Game Studio 2.0, you may safely install this Beta and try it out without interfering with your work in progress.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio 2008 and the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta

Ready to get started with the Beta? Follow these easy instructions:

1. If you have previously installed the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Community Technical Preview (CTP), remove it by clicking your Start Menu, Control Panel, Add and Remove Programs, and selecting Microsoft XNA Game Studio 3.0 (CTP). You will be prompted to restart your system - please do restart at this time; failing to do so may cause problems installing XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta.
2. Install either Visual Studio 2008 (Standard Edition or Higher), or download and install Visual C# 2008 Express Edition for free:

3. Finally, download and install the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta.

You do not need to uninstall XNA Game Studio 2.0 or Visual Studio 2005 – in fact, if you want to use Starter Kits from the XNA Creators Club Online Website with this Beta, you must keep XNA Game Studio 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005 on your system.

Step 3: Convert Your Projects

Do you have existing XNA Game Studio projects you need to convert to XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta? Read on:

* If your game project is from XNA Game Studio 2.0, simply open the game project file in XNA Game Studio 3.0 and follow the steps you see on the screen.
* If your game project is from the XNA Game Studio 3.0 CTP, view the XNA Game Studio 3.0 README for detailed information on how to convert the project.

Step 4: Upgrade Your Zune Firmware

Are you interested in making games for your Zune using the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta? You will need to upgrade the firmware in your Zune.

* If you are a new Zune customer, visit http://www.zune.net/setup and install the Zune software for your computer.
* If you already have the Zune software installed on your computer, check for updates. From the Zune software menu, click SETTINGS | GENERAL | CHECK FOR UPDATES
* Use the Zune sync cable to connect the Zune device to your computer. Connect the sync cable to a USB port on the computer. Do not connect to a USB hub.
* Open the Zune software on your desktop computer while the Zune device is still connected to your computer. The Zune software searches the Internet for the latest version of the firmware. If a newer version of the Zune device firmware is available, a notice to update your device appears.

Step 5: Alien Game for Zune

The XNA Game Studio 3.0 CTP, released earlier this year, introduced a fun demo game for Zune called Alien Game. We’re happy to present it to you, upgraded to XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta and ready to run on your Zune!

Step 6: New Features in the Beta

This pre-release of XNA Game Studio 3.0 has a host of new features, including support for C# 3.0 coding features, join-in-progress multiplayer, game invites, rich presence, trial mode, and more.

We encourage you to read all about it in the “What’s New” section of the help system included in the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta. To read the section, simply start the XNA Game Studio 3.0 Beta, then click the Help menu item, and finally click Contents. In the help window that opens, open the XNA Game Studio 3.0 node and then click What’s New In This Release.

Step 7: Questions and Feedback

This beta is not your only chance to play with the best new technology, but also your chance to give us feedback on the next version of XNA Game Studio.