Microsoft unveils the Xbox One self-publishing game program for developers

Microsoft has unveiled its digital self-publishing indie developer programme for the Xbox One, essentially enabling developers to self-publish their work for consumers to enjoy on their consoles. The program is titled Independent Developers @ Xbox (ID@Xbox - www.xbox.com/id) and the company promises a smooth experience regarding actual development, distribution and discovery of titles on the Xbox One digital shop. Registration has opened today.

Chris Charla will be heading up ID@Xbox and has been curating Xbox Live Arcade games as the portfolio director since 2022. Working on really creating a solid bridge with indie developers, the new team reportedly met with over l developers to piece of work out exactly what they would want out of a self-publishing program. Hither's what Chris Hecker, developer backside Spy Political party had to say on Microsoft's initiative:

"I'm really excited that Microsoft has listened to feedback from developers and created this program. Equally an independent developer, I desire Spy Party to be available to as many players as possible, and it feels like Microsoft is interested in non only removing roadblocks for indies to become their games on Xbox One, only they're also genuinely interested in finding ways to bring new and innovative indie games to their platform to help games reach their potential as an fine art and entertainment grade."

The to a higher place is matched past back up from other video game studios, including Splash Damage, Other Sea, Team 17 and Dlala, each pleased with the approach Microsoft is taking. This isn't anything groundbreaking, though as competitors already offering such a service on their own platforms, simply it's smashing to finally see Redmond taking indie evolution seriously.

Breaking down some walls

Equally noted to a higher place, ID@Xbox kicks off today with registration opening up for developers to apply at the website. Should developers qualify, they'll be a registered Xbox Ane developer. Microsoft has stated there are no application fees, nor are whatever charges present for certification or updates. The company isn't accepting anybody into the plan just however.

Charla told Gamasutra that the team will "evaluate each application on a case past case footing. Making a console game isn't trivial so we desire to be sure that they'll be able to create slap-up content. However, our plan for the program is to eventually open up the platform to all creators. Nosotros want Xbox 1 to be a swell place to not simply consume content only to also create it." Sounds like a program that will as well exist a bonus for consumers.

Developers who register with ID@Xbox will receive two Xbox 1 development kits (at no actress price) and will receive access to the console's full features, equally well as deject, Kinect, Xbox Live and more. Revenue splits with published titles will be inline with what's expected throughout the industry (developers more often than not receive seventy percent of the cut).

As an added bonus, Microsoft doesn't require exclusivity agreements. All the visitor desires is day ane parity with other console platforms. Not much to ask for really.

Community & game discovery

Microsoft volition ready programmer-facing customs managers who will provide responses to submissions and offer support for the program. To build a strong customs around ID@Xbox, numerous developer events will exist held with gatherings to occur in Seattle, London and San Francisco. These events are said to kick off later on this twelvemonth.

Letting in a lot of content tin can cause problems for consumers who are attempting to search through and find something they'd want to purchase and enjoy. Here'south how consumers volition be able to wait through the catalogue of indie games on the store:

Trending keeps your finger on the pulse of what friends and the customs are playing.
Recommendations bring forward new games, based on what you like to play.
Spotlight showcases Editor Picks for keen games across the entire shop.
With Game DVR and Upload, new games will exist found as gamers capture and share their videos across the service.
Achievements and Challenges enable developers and the community to create special events out of games.
Moving forwards

Looking forward, Microsoft's "program is to enable whatever Xbox One panel to be used equally a evolution kit for self-publishing purposes. This means that any hobbyist with a great game idea tin make it come to life on Xbox One." Information technology's looking vivid for indie developers on the Xbox 1.

via: Gamasutra

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