Rumour: Microsoft to Change Mind Over Xbox One Self-Publishing

103
Lee Bradley

Microsoft may be preparing for another turn-around, this time in regards to self-publishing.

When the Xbox One was announced, Microsoft said that it would not allow developers to publish their own games on the console, a move which disappointed many independent studios. As a result, the developers of exciting titles like DayZ and Fez II responded by saying they would not bring their games to Xbox One.

However, if the latest rumours are to be believed, that may be about to change.

This Wednesday, Microsoft will be holding its Build Conference in San Francisco. It’s an annual shindig aimed at software developers working with the company’s tech. And it’s here that some are speculating a second change of policy in as many weeks may take place.

Internet sleuth Superannuation tweeted last night, “Some people seem to think Microsoft will announce some self-publishing/indie Xbox One stuff this week at their Build Developer Conference.”

Meanwhile, on the same subject, Markus “Notch” Persson tweeted “I know something about this, but I’m not allowed to say. :(“ The tweet has since been deleted.

Adding a little weight to this speculation is the fact that when invitations were sent out pre-E3 2013, gaming press were assured the event was PC and mobile only. However, now the event has expanded to encompass the Xbox platforms.

It’s worth re-stating that this is currently all speculation. Indeed, if it wasn’t for Notch’s deleted tweet and Microsoft’s recent dramatic turnaround regarding DRM on Xbox One, we wouldn’t have given it much weight.

Fingers crossed. A larger selection of games for Xbox One is always good news.

Comments
103
  • It would be a smart move if they did.
  • Man, another major turn around, and it might have to be called the Xbox 360 instead of the Xbox 180. Oh wait...
  • I'm confused about all the Indie games they showed at E3 like Below, I don't know why Lol someone explain!
  • good news but i feel they're just copying Sony now to get people and games makers back to the xbox.
  • Seems like they're changing their mind about a lot of things. Not drop the stupid Kinect and I'll support your console.
  • Microsoft must be at Defcon 1 right now.
  • Shall we take bets on them removing compulsory Kinect? I think they'd sell a million more consoles if they did cause nobody wants the fucking thing, and after all, they have gone back on everything they've said so far. One can dream...
  • Well here's hoping, even if its just a simple case of " We can get more ££ if we do this " from MS if it gives indies etc a chance at the market good, and IF MS do,, well seems like they can learn new tricks after all.. optimistic
  • @3 Right now for those indie games to be put on LIVE the developers have to find a publisher who will either take a cut of the profits, or try to take control of the IP. Even if a developer self-finances and manages their own IP, they still have to find a publisher before MS will put the game on LIVE. Steam and PSN allow developers to self publish their games on those networks. Great news for developers if this is true.
  • We need CHANGE!!!!
  • All this hate for kinect 2 when no one has even used it. Now I'm not saying kinect is great but kinect 2 has the ability to be good if used right in games.
  • MS might not be smart, but atleast their listening.
  • At this point I think anything they "change" was already planned, just to make them look good.
  • Anything for more money.
  • They really need to do this, We'd be missing out on some great games if they didn't
  • Well here's hoping this rumour comes true, and tbh with all the indies panning the whole issue and the X1 this probably will be true I want Fez 2!!!
  • Good, now reduce the price and I may consider staying a Xbox fanboy.
  • I really hope this is true, it would be such a great move by Microsoft.
  • Dear god in heaven, please make this true. ^.^
  • Yeah I agreed many with you all that Xbox One would be fantastic move by Microsoft. I really hope this is true. Since we got many great XBLA titles in recent of years this what Xbox One need to continue with it. :)
  • So much flip-flopping.. I'd rather go with a console that had a clear message from the start.
  • All the hate on the Kinect. You are not forced to using it, but the tech behind it is sound and it does have potential to add to certain game experiences. By including it with everything it gives developers more freedom to want to incorporate things like voice commands, gestures, and whatever else they can dream up with it. If everyone has it there's more sense to involve it. Personally I enjoy it and I know many younger kids and families who use it, They're not trying to force away what I see as the best controller on the market, they are just giving people options, so why all the hate? OT: This is great news and I'm sure its going to help further the growth of the X1's future. At least Microsoft is listening to us.
  • Kinect will be used for nothing but selling our identities to the Devil
  • can the kinect 2 on x1 be sold if i dont want it!? im deaf so whats the point!??
  • Please let this be true, I want the Oddworld: New "n" Tasty game!
  • I sure hope so. They've gotten ride of the used game restrictions, the DRM, and no maybe they are even opening up to indie games like they should have done a long time ago. This is all starting the Xbox One look better. I still think they need to fix the new achievement system, but otherwise it's gone from a definite no, to a maybe for the Xbox One. Although they said they wouldn't do it, if they ditched the Kinect and released a $400 Xbox One, It would be a day one for me. Too bad Msoft. But I am very glad they're making changes for the better, even though this is the way it should have been since the beginning.
  • @12 True no one has used it & it may end up good within the confines of a good game or the right situation. But it should be an option not a requirement. An extra $100 for something I dont even want is absurd. This story about indies would be great if it ends up being true. Almost convinced to not leave the family. I bet they drop the constant kinect & preorders would rise like crazy. I'd head over and preorder myself.
  • @4 Of course they are. This is why competition is good. @25 Kinect is a camera... if you can move you can use it.
  • @23 Some people don't want it, and it is being forced on them because it's included with all Xbox Ones. MS isn't handing them out for free, people have to pay for Kinect in that $499 price. I think a lot of people would rather buy a game of their choosing instead of having to spend that money on something they don't have any interest in.
  • hopefully this means dayz for xboxone!
  • @25 So deaf people can't jump and move around?!? This "Microsoft is going to use the Kinect to spy on people" argument is people grasping at fucking straws. In this day and age with everyone being so "sue happy", do you really think Microsoft would want to use it to "spy" on people? If you are that fucking scared, toss a blanket over it and quit whining.
  • The kinect isn't an extra thrown in as part of a bundle, it is part of the console, as is the controller, plug and hdmi lead. Youre not paying 'extra', youre paying the set fee for the set console. I understand what people are eating regarding not wanting kinect but this is the Xbox one, if you dont want the console which the kinect is part of, dont buy it.
  • * eating = saying. Damn predictive text. Lol
  • @32 deaf people can have problems speaking, as can many other people with disabilities. They obviously can't use Kinect.
  • @23 Microsoft aren't "listening to us" cos if they were they wouldn't have implemented the DRM policy in the first place (after the first rumours and reveal receieved a huge backlash from gamers). They're only "listening" cos PS4 was DOMINATING in pre-orders (and rightfully so) so they had to do something about it.
  • Now just ditch the Kinect and you have a deal!
  • It's like MS was locked in a room prior to announcing console details. Maybe somebody should have done some research, polls, etc. to see what people were actually looking for in a new console.
  • All this is showing is M$ made all the wrong decisions, they've got some great things going for their next console but they've also got too many things wrong and I seriously think the damage is done for them
  • Meh......I have never spent a penny on the indie games....reason being indie games don't have achievements. Since the 360 came out I can't enjoy an achievement-less game anymore.
  • Abes odyssey!
  • @40 This isn't about the games on the Indie channel on LIVE, this is about independent developers. Developers who finance their own games and manage their own IPs. Games like Minecraft, Fez, Limbo, etc. are from independent developers.
  • Please i wanna play Octodad on my Xone
  • Hopefully they also change their minds about releasing a SKU without Kinect.
  • A representative of microsoft said at E3: "We're the most Indie friendly company out there", so start acting like it MS!
  • A lot of people have been pointing out how fugly the new console is. A cross between an early '80s Betamax/VHS player and a brick. So maybe the next U-Turn will be how it looks. Oh and the name, 'One' - Maybe they called it that because all their anti-consumer ideas were/are number 2? They should call it the PS4 then maybe people will want to buy it... he he he.
  • I hope so, Microsoft need to make themselves as accessible as possible. I don't understand what's going on with them, they were ruling the roost and now just out of nowhere they're crashing before the console is even released. They're making some good first steps and I appreciate the vision they were laying out, unfortunately the world isn't ready for the always online all digital future that will definitely come with the next console generation after Xbox One
  • With all these changes coming about and MS going back on certain features and restrictions, like no. 2 said, going from Xbox One to 180 and 360, we may as well call it the Xbox 720 and have the console load up to "You spin me right round, baby right round" :)
  • Notch is a genius, but why in God's name would he take to Twitter to tell his followers that he knows something? You're just asking for messages from a million people like "Come on, you can tell me ;)"
  • Microsoft at E3 "We support indie games... Give it up to Minecraft" Is Minecraft an Indie game anymore??? 1 month later supporting all indie games. If we ask for more do you think I can shut off the spyware (aka kinect) and ask for a price drop!?!?
  • @40 I highly think skipping on a 1 to 3$ because it has no achievements isn't a first world problem. If its a good game buy it, don't say I won't because Microsoft didn't allow achievement tracking. People are just stupid, play a game because its good THEN get the achievements in OTHER games.
  • doesn't bother me either way but @40 I have fez which is an indie game and it has 200gs up for grabs so I guess you should do a little research
  • And yet, people still bitch...
  • That would be perfect.
  • I think making people have kinect is a good thing, it means that it can be used better, it can be part of core gameplay without worrying that people haven't got one meaning instead of making fully kinect gimmick games it can play just a small part in the games rather than being fully motion based.
  • @51 tell that to everyone who has the last airbender on their gamer card.
  • this isnt about the xbox live indie arcade is when somone gets approved for a xbla gamr they then must go out and find a publisher which for some works but for others who have the funds can self publish which is great if microsoft keeps up the approval system as without that we are opening the flood gates of crapware
  • kinect spys on you... they say it won't and they won't use our information or give it out to others...but it still collects and stock piles data until the day the department of defense decides to use it to stop domestic terrorists...or until the laws change and then they'll be able to sell our info to whomever they want fuck you kinect.... its a slippery slope
  • To everyone white-knighting the Xbox One in regards to this rumour: you all seem to be forgetting that it doesn't matter how lenient the rules for self-publishing may be if they decide to go ahead with this and all self-publishing. Microsoft still treat indie developers like shit. Super Meat Boy, FEZ, Braid - the list goes on. Edmund McMillen of Team Meat said in an interview that one of the business guys at Microsoft told them that Super Meat Boy would fail basically because 3D is 'in' and 2D is 'out', and that a 3D game that was coming out around the same time, such as Hydrophobia, would do much better. So... 9,000 sales in a week for Hydrophobia and 20,000+ in the first DAY for Super Meat Boy (which has now sold millions to this day), huh? Give yourselves a big clap, Microsoft, you cruel idiots. Microsoft favour the profits, and fuck everyone else. Sure, they're a business, but... nah, you just don't do that shit to people, man. Fuck off. Remember that, people. Don't go white-knighting this shit just because Microsoft are trying to win you back after seeing the appalling pre-order figures for the Xbox One. Microsoft may be at the top of the 'Pyramid of Praise' as a result of dropping the DRM and online-related shit, but don't forget all of the horrible stuff going on at the bottom of that pyramid. Done. xx
  • *laughs at Microsoft :D *
  • I do hope they change their mind, but really, they should've thought this backlash through before taking their stuff to E3. All of these people watching, wasn't a good idea to unveil so many bad ideas and then backpedal on them AFTER it's televised and heavily talked about.
  • ROFL more like Microsoft are changing their mind on everything Xbox One.
  • @3 theyre "indie" titles that have taken a publishing deal to get on the platform as with the ones on 360, currently the way it works is you have to have a publishing deal to publish a title on a microsoft owned platform this of course is hated by indie devs because it means that they are really no longer indie devs because the whole idea is they are independent, they do everything themselves and so gain the majority of the profits on this news, i bloody hope so would be another major step in the right direction, we may have an actual good system by the time it comes out
  • Its about fucking time.
  • @12 : No one have hate about Kinect. The problem is that the console will cost a hundred more dollars because of it (when the PS4 sells the EyeToy apart from the PS4) and two, because it's something imposed. No one said Microsoft shouldn't sell a Kinect 2, just that they don't have to impose it, they can let th customers choose if they want Kinect or not. And the last problem is that the console can't run if Kinect is not connected, which is a pretty weird thing.
  • Guys just think about this for one minute. Microsoft have NOT made an announcement either way about Indie support OR self publishing. Think about it, they've been completely quiet about it. All the information about Microsoft not supporting Indie and self publishing has come from the video games media. Silence from Microsoft has been reported as non compliance. It's terrible really. All Sony has had to do is say 'yeah we are definitely supporting self publishing'. Yet nowhere does it say how this is going to happen, or how I could myself go about doing this. Back to Microsoft. Why in the world would they not allow self publishing? They know how smart a move the indie channel was, fair enough they haven't been good at promoting it but overall it can be considered a success. It had a good community. Then look at the signs. We are in the App Store era. They've got a model that works on mobile and on windows 8. The frameworks have been tried and tested, they can be tweaked if they see the need for the xbone. They have wound down XNA. BUILD is just around the corner. It seems like the right time and place to do it. When they held the announcement event they spoke at length about the console. At E3 they went heavy on the games. At BUILD where the developers are they can talk at length and hold workshops all about the support for games development they will bring to Visual Studio 2013. They'll be able to show how easy it is to convert your windows 8 and phone games over to the xbone. They'll once again demo the ease of creating a game across the three platforms so you can pick up on another platform where you left off like in Sonic 4. All using the power of Azure. Stop letting the video games press deliver you mediocre crap, start thinking for yourselves.
  • In addition to what I said, I would not be surprised if they allow self publishing of apps on the xbone too. So anyone can roll their own twitter client if they want.
  • @66 MS have said they are keeping the same indie publishing policies for X1 as they use now on the 360, and right now MS does not allow developers to self-publish their games.
  • if they continue to change things it may end up being the Xbox 720 lol
  • Microsoft running scared now.. lol
  • Do it, so I can get New & Tasty. Oh, and make it so Kinect is optional and release separate bundle packs
  • @66 They have commented on their indie policies. http://www.gamespot.com/news/indie-developers-cannot-self-publish-games-on-xbox-one-6408774 http://www.polygon.com/2013/5/22/4355306/indie-developers-cannot-self-publish-on-xbox-one
  • Sorry but Kinect should be compulsory. They really want this to be the future of their brand and the only way that'll happen is if it still ships with the console. The problem is getting people to use it and with the improvements on Kinect 1.0 I can't wait to own the second version. Kinect was actually very fun.
  • seriously who cares? there are maybe a handful of good indie games out of all the crap that is released
  • I like how Microsoft is actually paying attention to their feedback when a company listens to it's supporters it tends to do better than one that doesn't
  • Jesus, they are flip-flopping on everything. How am I supposed to trust what they say if they're just going to go back on it later? Losing some credibility here...
  • Actually we don't need DayZ. The guys who made State of Decay plan on using their own world to create a zombie MMO, which has been their plan from day 1.
  • @77 Why not have both? Also, Class 4 isn't even in development yet and it would be at least 18 months(most likely longer) before it's ready.
  • wow I guess there really isn't a (NEW) system coming out this year. Microsoft and sony are doing the same thing with more power. Microsoft had something going on there till everyone screamed for turn around. now no one will know how it would of turned out with the disc-less stuff. could of been something off this planet. but then again I like to have rights to my games I buy to the fullest.
  • @4 Well, Sony did take that Idea from nintendo since Wii U has self publishing. It would be quite the turn around if this those happen for indie games. I got to tell you if this supposed policies reversal is to turn things back to the way it was, It will be a never ending PR nightmare for Microsoft if you know what Im talking about.
  • Would be good news if it was true..but god the execs are Microsoft are so unbelievably stupid I don't know how they're able to get into work.
  • Ok I am not the kind of person to post a comment but, there are a few things that I need to get out. 1st thing is people need to stop saying MS listens to the consumers cause they don't. The only reason they went back on the used-game policy is the fact that there stocks dropped cause of the shit they announced at E3. 2nd People are forgetting that the XB1 will get a patch day one to remove the DRM policy. As much as MS as lied or backpedaled who says that after they have your money and consoles are sold that they do not put out another patch to turn the DRM policy back on. Last but, not least the Kinect is being shoved down our throat cause that is what they think is the way of gaming. People do not want it but, forced to get it and pay for it by making it part of the console. I am done with MS cause of all this BS they are pulling. You can agree or disagree but, MS says they outsold PS3. Well, yea they did cause of multiple XB360's people had to replace or numerous homes that have multiple XB5360's from different countries. Either way it goes MS is not winning this generation with XB1 over PS4 just like they did not win against the PS3 (with a year advance) with the 360.
  • I have a friend who work in the video game reviews for the newspapers and he believes that they will change the price from $499 to $399 before launch day.
  • Yep the next turnaround will be the price drop, talk about sticking to your guns and believing in what you preach M$(future proof). It's turning into a joke, Sony must be sitting there laughing there heads off at all this backpeddling... while there PS4 pre orders keep rolling in.
  • I think i speak for everyone when I say 'Pft HAHAHA' if they flip flop anymore I'll swear there running for president.
  • @#82 The best way the consumer can communicate with their conformity with a vendor's product is with their money. If the product is not being bought by the consumer, the vendor knows they need to change something. Changing the policy back is unrealistic. Let's say they put it back a year after the release. First off, the console will stop selling in that moment, second, the games the will come before the update, they don't have DRM, so what, they'll become unusable? and third, people who will mostly play offline can skip the update. So what does MS gets by putting back DRM? A dead console, HORRIBLE PR and an update that won't get to everyone. So no, they won't put it back. Kinect 2.0 looks like a neat piece of hardware, they are including it because the console relies heavily on it. Is not a peripheral, is part of the console now. I don't recall MS ever saying that, the PS3 is outselling the 360 by some millions I believe. MS replaces faulty 360s for free (most of the time) this are not counted towards sold systems, obviously. And when someone says that he has been through 5 360s, I seriously doubt they bought all of them, most of them probably were replaced by MS. Your last statement is laughable, to be honest. PS3 has been dominating the last 2 years/year and a half, but the 360 was crushing it the rest of the generation. So overall, I would say that MS won this generation.
  • @82 They won't release a patch to turn the DRM back on post release. Microsoft aren't that stupid, it would be a PR nightmare and would do far to much damage compared what ever they could gain from the DRM being in place. What I can see happening however is "the cloud" becoming an excuse for games needing to be always online even though there isn't an actual need for it like Sim City on the PC.
  • To #7 and everyone else who's like "remove the Kinect from the bundle because no body wants it" - while I agree that the option to not have it included would be ideal, for people like #7, there are those, despite what #7 says, that wants the Kinect sensor. I am one of those people. It may be a gimmick. The original one may have lasted for a few days of enjoyment when I first got it. But, it is great for the kids. Only just now, 2 years after getting it for Christmas, my daughter is FINALLY wanting to play Kinectimals. If there are other games that support Kinect like this, then it is not a waste in my eyes. But back to the topic at hand - although I didn't plaster it everywhere (I never actually did), although I wasn't foaming at the mouth with anger like some, I was one of those gamer's ready to move on over back to the PlayStation's newest entry, after what was seen of the Xbox One at E3. The reasons why should be pretty obvious, and is something I won't go into... However, with their turn around, it didn't half put a spanner in the works when it comes to deciding which one to get. Then I read the 'hands on' review of Titanfall from this site the other day - honestly, I didn't put much effort into learning about the game, but after reading that article, I was surprised at how good it seems. Titanfall seemed to be prodding me in the back, back towards the door for Microsoft, like a parent would a grumpy child. With this news however, if the speculation comes true. Dare I say it - I think it is decided which console I'll be going. Despite the price. Fingers crossed, eh?
  • sounds like a lot of back flipping from MS to please people who buy their products.
  • I hope Oddworld Inhabitants don't come to MS despite a change.
  • This is why competition is so GREAT!! When companies fight, WE the consumer wins!!
  • Now Microsoft needs to drop the mandatory Kinect and make it completely optional.
  • @72 Seriously Boome take another look at that article. The games media is TERRIBLE for reporting these kinds of things. Sites refer to sites referring to other sites and it becomes chinese whispers. What I've said remains to be true and pointing at an article on the internet has proven noting at all. Let's look at them... Title of both articles are identical: "Indie developers cannot self-publish games on Xbox One" Good start. Both articles actually source SHACKNEWS. And what did that reliable site have to say? When asked if developers will still need a publisher to get content onto Xbox Live, Matt Booty, general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms, told us that "as of right now, yes. We intend to continue to court developers in the ways that we have." That's it. NO mention of the Xbox One and of course he has been told to keep quiet about any other announcements because it was E3 and developer announcements are possibly being kept for BUILD. They're doing the smart thing, keeping the big announcements as stage events. Careful wording... "as of right now, yes"
  • Regardless as to wether this is going to be true or not - im pretty annoyed at the fact that MS didn't listen to the market and go with the popular and majority vote/felling. That is what makes a great product - why all the backtracking now??? Finally realised they're pig ignorance is going to cost a hell of alot of $$$$$$$$.............. Just fuc*in* scrap the whole lot and start again....This time - take note of the people who are your intended audience! Im sure im not the only one feeling this way!
  • Late to the party but... Called it! Now we just need another developer to bash the Kinect requirement and who knows. Doesn't feel like they are listening to their fans, so much as to other people in the industry. Sorry MS, you can beg me to take you back, saying you cam change, but can I really trust you?
  • Microsoft really are suffering from the backlash of its customers and potential customers. I'm glad about their new U-turn since some of the indie games on the 360 are great fun. Hopefully they will continue to remove some of the stupid features which they have put forward which we don't really need or want. Good on you MS for listening. If only some game developers and publishers would do the same. EA & IW for example.
  • Really wish everyone would get over thinking that MS wants to spy on your god damn pathetic lives with the kinect. There are thousand of other ways they could spy on you that wouldn't be so obvious. Welcome to the age of terrorism, you might as well get used to being spied on. Get over yourselves.
  • I would be happy if MS would reverse this but, damn! I think it's about for MS to start playing sonys game and wait for the other guy to make an announcement so you can better it. That is all Sony has been doing. "You don't allow used games, we do" "You have this many exclusives, we have more" "You don't allow self publishing, we do" "You're charging $499, we're charging $399" Every one of these damn announcements were made after MS made theirs. Fucking sony can't think for themselves they are just doing the opposite of MS. The next thing will probably be the release date, MS will set a date and Sony will beat it by a week.
  • @13 "MS might not be smart, but atleast their listening." It's ironic that you can accuse a corporation who is able to make BILLIONS of dollars not "smart", and yet you don't know when to use "they're" instead of "their".
  • Not a fan of Fez or it's dev, but I've always wanted to try Day Z. So in that regard, this is good news. I always thought the initial decision seemed greedy. Micro$oft should drop update fee's altogether. It stands in the way of progress. They'd make more off the increased revenue stream from the customers new updates would bring anyway.
  • @93 They does mention Xbox Ones digital platform. This is a person at the reveal asking a MS executive about indie publishing on Xbox One. "When asked if the publisher requirement would carry over to XBOX ONE'S DIGITAL PLATFORM, general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms Matt Booty told Shacknews, "as of right now, yes. We intend to continue to court developers in the ways that we have." That means as of right now their policy is the same as it for the 360, meaning developers must find a publisher. Also, if they are holding big announcements for stage events, then they need to rethink their strategy. I understand they are following their own script and trying to do their own thing, but by the time they start addressing bad rumors and what's not true, they've lost consumers. Look at the licensing policies and DRM rumors, MS let it fester for months instead of addressing and getting out in front of it. What happened? MS made a huge mess during their reveal and shot themselves in the foot with all the misinformation and features that aren't final but end up being final, but then get reversed....
  • @101 Boome my point was that the statement is ambiguous, it's one small thing someone has said that has YET AGAIN been taken out of context by the games media which in itself is getting far too lazy. MS do not need to get out in front. What's the big gain? A massive rush of enthusiasm for a console that fizzles out very quickly in this fickle market. So what's the best thing to do? Make careful timed releases of information. No it's not perfect that is true, but you build the momentum for the console instead and you gain followers over time.
  • DayZ please!!!
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