One of the things I’ve planned to do in 2007 is build at least one Xbox 360 game. So far my progress has moved slowly and it’s almost May. Guess I’m not the only one moving slower than expected.

Dave Hill the director of XNA announces good news:

As a gesture of thanks to our incredible community and especially those who have jumped on board the XNA Creators Club train earlier than others, we’ve extended each and every active XNA Creators Club membership that was active on March 5th by an additional 4 months. This free 4 month extension covers everyone who has purchased a membership to the XNA Creators Club since our launch back on December 11th of last year.

Good move. That pretty much gives a fresh start — a full year — to those of us who signed up right away and laid down the hundred bones.

The XNA Game Studio Express 1.0 Refresh Download has been released as well which works with Windows Vista:

This release is an update of the 1.0 version which contains improved functionality along with new features.

I’m still using Windows XP as my primary XNA development machine, but am downloading for the new features and functionality improvements.

In other Xbox news the Xbox Live Arcade is getting a double shot tomorrow including a pinball game which optionally uses the Xbox Vision camera:

Zen Studios’ new “Pinball FX” … combines the arcade thrills of traditional pinball with enhanced gameplay and exciting, innovative features not found in any other pinball game. Gamers may control the flippers with their hand or arm motions using the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or simply use the standard Xbox 360 controller.

While I prefer real pinball machines over video ones, this is one title I’ve been looking forward to playing. It’s going to cost 800 Microsoft Points. Doubtful I’ll be interested in the wave your hands to activate the flippers controls, seems like a weak nod to Wiimote functionality. Good thing you can use the regular Xbox 360 controller.

Finally, the Xbox 360 Elite arrives this Sunday, April 29. Any guesses if it will actually be in your local store?

• Create and deploy your own Xbox 360 games with XNA Game Studio Express launch
• XBox Live 3.0 coming: includes video conferencing and arcade
• Pinball FX Wednesday dryer day
• XBox Live Arcade: Pac-Man and Galaga follow-up
• Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday: Scramble eggs, anyone?
• Xbox Live Dashboard update with 125 new features delivery has begun