I’m starting over with a new set of instructional videos from 3D Buzz called XNA Xtreme 101. I opted for the monthly Member Sponsorship account that includes access to streaming versions of XNA Xtreme 101 along with various 3d modeling packages.

So far this approach feels better than following a book. Having multiple instructors explain things in different ways (with Photoshop used as a whiteboard) helps keep me interested. Even though the initial videos I’ve watched are going over material that I already understand, I haven’t been bored yet. In fact I’m a little bit impressed – the Hello World app is a text adventure game engine!

The only downside is that the videos are heavily watermarked, in an effort to discourage piracy. And let me tell you – it’s really fucking annoying. Check this out:

Yes, my full name and address plastered across every frame of every video that I watch. If you’re the sort of person driven to insanity by stuck pixels on an LCD, think carefully before making a similar purchase! :)

In fact I normally skip products with heavy-handed DRM, but the instructors are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable… They really give a damn about what they’re doing, so the Member Sponsorship seems to be worth the money.