Microsoft’s Kodu to launch by end of June

Microsoft’s Kodu is set to launch by the end of this month, according to blog post by lead designer Matt MacLaurin.

The Xbox 360 app, which will be available to download over Xbox Live, allows users to create games using a simple visual rule-based language and a library of supplied assets.

Kodu, originally called Boku, was developed by Microsoft research as a game building tool for kids, and allows people to create ‘playgrounds’ with programmed actors using just the Xbox 360 controller. According to the firm, the tool has been evaluated ‘for hundreds of hours by people from ages five to 45,’ to ensure that it remains accessible while providing enough flexibility for extended use.