Gaming Hobbyist and the Express platforms
One of the biggest Hobbyist platforms out there are the development of Levels, new assets, scripting etc for Games.
Looking at games Like Doom. Neverwinter Nights etc etc. the great part is when the game designers release some of the tools to allow for the community to build beyond what was originally delivered in the game.
With the Advent of XNA, and its Team System delivery and the talk at the GDC and other platforms of implementing a scripting platform in C# or VB.net.
I see the perfect inroad for MS to support the Hobbyist to the professional team developer around the XNA platform. MS has already announced the XNA studio, so the the professional level system is already in design.
There is time because a common game mid to high content game takes 2 to 3 years to develop if not longer. I believe with an Express edition that caters to a XNA development for additional content for games at the community level with eyes to move on to standard and professional for the more experienced user would be a winning combination.
It would give incentive for Game developers to develop more tools with an eye on the managed platform especially when developing with an eye to allow for community expansion.
Beyond games would be MCE and a few other platforms. but gaming brings alot to the table for those of us that dabble in the platform.
any thoughts??