The sprite XML files no longer are processed by XNA’s content framework, and the processing for them is just generally less convoluted. This means that it is easier to change the loading code to add new features, and in the future could allow for live reloading of sprite XML files during testing.
I also added some time-saving features to the XML format for sprites. For example, you don’t have to specify the size of a visible quad because it figures it out from the texture, and you can place hitboxes relative to visible quads so you don’t have to do any arithmetic if the visible quad is offset from the origin. You can also specify default frame lengths for an entire animation.
I don’t know if that made sense to anyone, maybe I’ll write up a post describing how the sprite XML files work overall later.
Also, a background!
Makes a big difference, don't you think?