It doesn't matter if your game is written using C# and the XNA Framework or it is written in native code. The process for publishing a game on Xbox LIVE Arcade is the same. You must submit a proposal and be accepted into the Xbox LIVE Arcade developer program.

How do I get started exploring the Xbox LIVE Arcade program?

To get started learning about the Xbox LIVE Arcade development and submission process, review the following official introductory topics:

• http://zone.msn.com/en/microsoftcasualgames/xbla.htm
• http://www.xbox.com/dev/developingforlivearcade.htm

How does the Xbox LIVE Arcade submission process work?

The following links contain more detailed information about how the Xbox LIVE Arcade submission process works, how to formulate a game pitch, etc:

• http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/771/771387p1.html
• http://zone.msn.com/images/v9/en-us/site/GDC07-Arcade.pdf
• http://www.gamedevblog.com/2007/03/some_answers.html

Where can I learn more about developing Xbox LIVE Arcade games?

The following links contain more detailed information about Xbox LIVE Arcade development:

• http://download.microsoft.com/download/a/7/4/a7470441-4171-4c07-93ca-ef5f07e7a9c3/casual%20games.zip
• http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=FBA4EB1F-9E2D-4A6A-988D-83F1015A00DB

Bear in mind that games are not launched very frequently on Xbox LIVE Arcade and there is a lot of competition. Make sure you have a solid idea and preferably a good demo or a fully working game before you think about this. Also note that there may well be a financial commitment to you for access to Xbox 360 development kits, developer support and the certification process.

Can I use XNA Game Studio to create an Xbox LIVE Arcade game?

Yes.  Schizoid, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, Blazing Birds, Rocket Riot, Yo-Ho Kablammo and Lucidity were created with XNA Game Studio, and other games created with XNA Game Studio are coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade soon.

Creating your game using XNA Game Studio gives you a couple of big advantages:

1. You know your game will run on the Xbox 360, it can easily be packaged as a .ccgame file to submit to the Xbox LIVE Arcade team within XNA Game Studio, and there will be minimal code changes required to get your game working as an Xbox LIVE Arcade title if your submission is accepted.
2. You can submit your game as an Xbox LIVE Community Game before or in parallel with the Xbox LIVE Arcade submission process

Where can I learn more about the Xbox LIVE Community Games program?

The following links contain more information about the Xbox LIVE Community Games program:

• Quick start guide - http://creators.xna.com/quickstart_main
• Community Games program FAQ - http://creators.xna.com/faq

What are the differences between an Xbox LIVE Community Game and an Xbox LIVE Arcade game?

The Xbox LIVE Community Games program is an open program, and anyone who creates a game and joins the Creators Club can submit their game to the publishing system.  The Xbox LIVE Arcade program is a managed portfolio with a limited number of publishing slots, and games must undergo a certification process prior to publishing.

When using XNA Game Studio to create your game, nearly all functionality is identical if you are creating a community game or an Xbox LIVE Arcade game.  If your XNA Game Studio game is approved as an Xbox LIVE Arcade title, you will get access to the XNA Game Studio XDK Extensions.  The XDK Extensions is an add-on to XNA Game Studio that allows you to add the following additional functionality to your Xbox LIVE Arcade game:

• Achievements
• Leaderboards
• User-defined rich presence strings
• Downloadable content (available starting with the XNA Game Studio 3.1 XDK Extensions)
• Title updates