If you’re still doubting the Zune HD’s gaming capabilities that was briefly showcased in a commercial of it, doubt no more as Microsoft themselves have indirectly admitted in their latest press release that the Zune HD will indeed be an app and gaming platform with the announcement of these upcoming apps:

“Later this year, Zune plans to release free applications such as Twitter for Zune and Facebook for Zune, in addition to fun 3-D games such as “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition,” “Vans Sk8: Pool Service” and “Audiosurf(TM) Tilt.” Games can be added to Zune HD via Zune Marketplace over the Wi-Fi connection or when connected to the Zune PC software.”

In line with this, Brian Seitz, Microsoft’s Zune marketing manager, also revealed in an interview with Seattle Times that they don’t have plans of releasing a Zune SDK as Microsoft will develop the free games in-house or work closely with concerned 3rd party developers. He also revealed of their plans of possibly having Windows Marketplace integration or something similar in the future as well. No guarantees here, but just hearing about it is enough to get us excited at what lies ahead. It looks like Microsoft has finally got their act together with the ZuneHD. Good job guys! Let’s keep ‘em coming.

[press release, via engadget]