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In the latest installment of our Academic Spotlight Series, we spoke with Giulio Muntoni, student at the University of Pisa in Italy, about his Xbox LIVE Indie Game Boring Space Shooter!
How would you describe Boring Space Shooter for anyone who hasn’t seen or played it yet?
Boring Space Shooter is a simple twin-stick shooter where you can manipulate time to survive from enemies.
What made you want to make Boring Space Shooter?
Just last year, I [decided I] wanted to learn game development. I chose XNA Game Studio to start my first project. Because it was my first game, I chose to make a simple game. I'm [working] alone. I'm planning to involve some students of my university for the next project.
How long did it take you to make Boring Space Shooter?
The development started in June of 2009 and ended in October. I missed around 40 days of development for my Holidays.
What other tools/programs did you use to help you make your game?
Blender was the software I used to make 3D models for the game.
Have you taken any courses or classes that helped you with game development/design?
I'm a student in Computer Science, some courses teach me programming but none of them had anything to do with game development. Fortunately, last year there was a seminar about the XNA framework in my university. I attended it, but it lasted only for one lesson.
What advice would you give other students looking to build a game?
First, learn a programming language. Then try to translate your ideas in a design document or at least, to fix it in a paper, then start your own project and finish it. If you find people interested in what you are doing, let them join you. Teamwork is important.
Are you working towards a game development/design degree?
I'm trying to learn about game development on my own, because my university doesn’t offer it.
Did you playtest your game through XNA Creators Club Online?
Yes, I've playtested the game with XNA CCO. Unfortunately, I received a bit less feedback than I expect.
How was your experience with Peer Review?
Very good, this [Peer Review] system seems to work very well.
What games influenced or inspired this game?
My game is very similar to Geometry Wars Evolved, an amazing game by Bizarre Creations.
What games are you playing now (other than your game!)?
I'm playing Crackdown, Mirror's Edge, and Assassins Creed 2.
Any plans to release more games for XBLIG?
Yes, I've a design in mind. I'm trying to find someone to help me to work on it.
What’s next for you?
I'm going to graduate [with a degree] in Computer Science. Meanwhile, I'm working on my own games and learning fundamentals of game development. I hope to find a job in the game industry.
Want to learn more about Giulio? Check out his development blog. Want to play Boring Space Shooter? You can download it through the Xbox LIVE Indie Games Channel on your Xbox 360 console or right now through Xbox.com.
If you're a student or a teacher using XNA Game Studio and have made an Xbox LIVE Indie Game that you'd like to be featured in a future Academic Spotlight, be sure to let us know by emailing us at Creators@microsoft.com.
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