The AVG Gamer interviews Zune game developer,UndeadWareZ

I was lucky enough to get some Q and A time with UndeadWareZ.com. Check out the first of our upcoming series of Zune game developer interviews below.........

The AVG Gamer--Hi and thanks for agreeing to have this interview! For
the readers that may not know who you are or what you
do,please tell us about yourself and what you do at
UndeadWareZ?

UndeadWarez--Well, I am recognized on the net as 'The Undead' and
I am the owner/main developer of undeadwarez.com. I am
only 16 so I'm not like the best programmer in the world
but I keep working on trying to get better, I get
inspiration from many independent developers like
DiNoGames, Led Zep, Sim reality, and others. Those are
just a few.

T.A.G---So what was your main inspiration to start developing
games on the Zune?

UW--Well when I was about 13 I started developing Homebrew
for the psp, mainly in Lua. After making a few games for
myself, I released a few(not very good ones..lol). When I
began High school I saw a computer programming class as an
elective and I immediately signed up for it. In that class
I learned Java, I passed it and signed up for the two AP
classes after it, So I am very fluent in Java now. I have had
my Zune since launch and when they announced that XNA was
coming to the Zune, I checked it out as soon as possible.
Since the syntax of C# is very close to Java it was easy
for me to get the basics of it. However I am no way as
good at C# as I am Java. Basically I Just have fun
programming so I do it.

T.A.G--So can you tell us what games you now have available
for download?

UW--The current games that are available for download are
"Heli Game","Cave In", and "British Bulldog". All of which can
be found at undeadwarez.com
Do Keep in mind since I am very busy with school and
stuff these games are not done.

T.A.G--I know one of the games you have out is British
Bulldog,what are your plans for updates for this game?


UW--Well when I get home from vacation I plan to update all
of my programs. British Bulldog is of course one of them.
I have been working on the graphics, so it will look
totally different. Other things I am currently working on
for British Bulldog include a multiplayer mode with up to 8
people, new Game mode called Mail Man, player power ups,
and other great features that will be announced on update
day. I really like the Mail man feature, the object of
this one is to visit as many houses as possible and
deliver mail without getting caught by their dogs.

T.A.G--How is it working on the XNA platform to develop Zune
games,are there any improvements that you would like made
to the program?

UW--I really like it, it makes it alot easier for making
games. I still find it easier to code in java mainly
because I haven't really learned C# to my full potential.
Their are many abilities that I would like xna to be
improved in,however many of them xna can't do anything about
until Microsoft does. The main one I would like is the
ability to connect to a wi-fi network, the main reason I
would like this is playing against people anywhere in the
world, as well as online scoreboards, and many other
possibilities.

T.A.G--What kind of games would you like to make on the Zune
that you haven't started yet,any ideas?

UW--Well I have been thinking of a few games which I could
develop, but I'm not certain on anyone of them yet. One
thing is for sure though I will not make any ports of
games anymore. I can assure you all new games from
undeadwarez will be original Ideas thought up by me.

T.A.G--I have to ask,how did you come up with the name of
UndeadwareZ?

UW--Well, it comes from my Screen Name The Undead, one day
at a site I used to visit acidmods.com I couldn't think of
anything so I just said what the hell, how about The
Undead. So the first part came from my name while the
second part is what I develop, software. Many people don't
know this but I created the site when I was in Java class,
it was originally www.Javastud.com, and was only coded in
java. The way the site looks now is only temporary and I'm
working on a brand new one with better navigation.

T.A.G---So where can readers find out about your latest games
and updates or maybe contact you? (other than The AVG
Gamer)

UW---Well, I haven't been updating my site as much as I
should but when I get back readers can learn about updates
at the homepage of www.undeadwarez.com. And if they would
like to contact me just send an email my way at
admin@undeadwarez.com.

T.A.G--So what would you say to any people out there that may
be thinking about developing games on the Zune but are not
sure yet?

UW--Do it, I do it all the time in my free time and I find
it really fun. Just so you guys don't think of me as a
geek(which I don't deny :)) I also play ice hockey and other
sports. But if you do decide to code for the Zune, make
sure you learn C# first. It makes everything easier. Trust
me.

T.A.G--Have any shout outs to anyone or anything else to add?

UW--Well I would like to thank DiNo Games, Sim Reality,
Led Zep, and Tip Tup for developing games, and helping me
develop games for the Zune. Also to any upcoming developers.
I also have to thank my comp/programming teacher Mr. Hutch
for teaching me so much about Java and just programming in
itself.

T.A.G--Thank you for your time and I'm looking forward to
seeing future projects out of UndeadWareZ.

UW--Thank you for your time as well, and hopefully I can
continue updating games and creating games, but most
importantly get better at programming.