You might want to take a look at this interesting piece of news I found:
http://195.92.178.248/cfdocs/site/ne...mp.cfm?sid=804

"Microsoft will offer game designers two new development programs in an effort to support the global videogame development community. Details inside"

"In an attempt to encourage independent software developers to work for Xbox Microsoft is introducing the Xbox Independent Developer Program, and the Xbox Incubator Program. It is intended that both programs will allow for prototypes of Xbox games to be developed without the high costs usually associated with such high end projects.

The key element in the Xbox Independent Developer program is the Xbox Prototype Kit (XPK), a software and information package that facilitates development on standard PCs. What’s particularly interesting is that Microsoft is sending XPKs out free of charge.

Once a developer has created a prototype game using the XPK, it can then pitch the concept to prospective publishers. If accepted the project could be moved on to be fully developed using full Xbox Development Kits (XDKs)."
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I think it sounds pretty cool!

BTW, there is more on the site than what I posted. I just didn't want to copy the whole thing.