Microsoft’s XNA tools have been giving indie developers access to powerful game design tools for a few years now.  We’re finally beginning to see the fruits of their labor.  Microsoft has released the XNA Creators Club Game Launcher as well as quite a few demos for some independently developed games.  Above is a trailer showing off some of the games coming out.  Little Gamers, Dishwasher, and Jellycar were the ones that particularly caught my eye.  Microsoft claims there will be a large number of community games released and I’m looking forward to playing them all.  Sometimes the best ideas are the ones the big companies won’t take on.  If my 360 wasn’t in for repairs (again) I’d be downloading everything that’s currently available.  When you get a chance to try them, please post your impression, whether they’re good or bad.

Two of the maps included in the three map download have been released previously, but it seems many people (including myself) missed them the first time around.  However, with the release of the third map they grab at our attention once again, and all while being offered in one convenient package.  Each release is reportedly harder than the last, including some interesting techniques that weren’t even used in any of Valve’s Portal levels.  A designer from Bethesda Softworks (responsible for the Elder Scrolls series, among other things) has put great effort into these retail quality maps and released them to the public at no cost.  Be sure and tell us what you think when you finish them!  They even include Step, Time, and Portal challenges for those looking to go the extra mile.  Download it now by clicking here.

[Via Joystiq]