Microsoft has a holiday surprise for game developers. They have released the second version of their XNA Game Studio. XNA Game Studio 2.0 is a development platform that allows programmers to create games for both Windows and Xbox 360, including online, multiplayer games.

Version 2.0 includes many new features, such as several new starter kits and samples, including a starter kit called Net Rumble, and samples that show how to create client/server and peer-to-peer games.

Additionally, Microsoft has included a project upgrade kit that lets you upgrade your existing projects to work with the new 2.0 version.

Unlike the earlier 1.0 version of Game Studio which worked only with Visual C# 2005 Express, version 2.0 now works with Visual Studio 2005 (including Standard, Professional, and the Team editions), as well as Visual C# 2005 Express. Using the more powerful versions of Visual Studio 2005 lets game programmers take advantage of the source code control, advanced debugging features, unit testing, and even Visual Studio add-ins.

Other advancements include easier key generation, easier Xbox 360 connectivity, an integrated content project that holds all assets, a new version of Microsoft Cross-Platform Audio Creation Tool, and updates to the content pipeline such as expanded TextureProcessor Functionality.

The API has also been improved, with new support for networking, new API support for the Guide, updates to the Application model, and improvements to the Input, Audio, Storage, Math and Graphics APIs.