Earlier this year, Microsoft revealed a new, easy-to-use game creation toolkit for amateur and wannabe game developers, as well as those just interested in making a fun game for their friends.

That toolkit, named Kodu, is now up and available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for a 400 MS Points purchase, while a demo is also readily available for those wishing to give it a test spin.

Kodu promises to enable easy creation of simple games using their custom programming ‘language,’ which is all based on iconic imagery that you are able to place in flowchart diagram-esque configurations in order to apply properties and behaviours to pre-made (and user created) objects and environments, all carried out with your controller.

Once you’ve built your game, you’ll be able to share it with people on your Xbox 360 friends list, which is handy because you’re also able to create cooperative and multiplayer games. Lead Kodu Game Lab Programmer, Matthew MacLaurin enthused:

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Microsoft have revealed their new game creation toolkit, coming to the Xbox 360, called Kodu.

During Microsoft’s CES keynote, MS Entertainment President Robbie Bach explained the software as a means to “empower everyone, the entire breadth of our audience, to create their own games.” That’s what Robbie said, but what does the press release say?

“Microsoft announced today that it will turn Xbox 360 players into creators with the release of their new game, “Kodu”. Launching on the Xbox LIVE Community Games Channel, “Kodu’s” easy to use game creation techniques will make building personal playgrounds simple for anyone, with the help of an Xbox 360 controller.”

Kodu is described as a pick-up-and-play game, allowing gamers to create their own unique worlds with Microsoft’s specially designed image-based editor. Players can use pre-built art assets to start creating, or start completely from scratch. Principal program manager for Microsoft Research and lead “Kodu” designer, Matt MacLaurin said:

“We’ve done everything possible to make sure that creating a “Kodu” playground is not only easy, but that it is also fun and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. Since ‘Kodu’s’ interface is intuitive and prevents common programming mistakes, we’re making it easy for everyone to enjoy the magic of game creation.”

Let the LittleBigPlanet comparisons commence. You can peek some footage from Kodu below:

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