Loading Content

Complete Sample

The code in this topic shows you the technique for loading content. You can download a complete code sample for this topic, including full source code and any additional supporting files required by the sample.

Download GameLoop_Sample.zip

Loading Content

You need a content project in your game if you are using Visual Studio 2010 Express to compile and build your project. For more information, see How to: Add Game Assets to a Content Project.

To load content and ensure it is reloaded when necessary

1. Derive a class from Game.

2. Override the LoadContent method of Game.

3. In the LoadContent method, load your content using the ContentManager.

   SpriteBatch spriteBatch;
   // This is a texture we can render.
   Texture2D myTexture;
   
   protected override void LoadContent()
   {
       // Create a new SpriteBatch, which can be used to draw textures.
       spriteBatch = new SpriteBatch(GraphicsDevice);
       myTexture = Content.Load<Texture2D>("mytexture");
   }
   

4. Override the UnloadContent method of Game.

5. In the UnloadContent method, unload resources that are not managed by the ContentManager.

   protected override void UnloadContent()
   {
       // TODO: Unload any non ContentManager content here
   }
   

See Also

Reference

Game Class
LoadContent
UnloadContent
Game Members
Microsoft.Xna.Framework Namespace