Microsoft To Overturn Indie Self-Publishing Policies on Xbox One, According to Reports [Updated]

70
Richard Walker

Update

Microsoft has confirmed that a self-publishing programme will be available on Xbox One for indie developers, with Microsoft's Marc Whitten issuing the following statement:

"Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development. That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox Live. This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox Live. We’ll have more details on the program and the timeline at Gamescom in August."

[Via Major Nelson]

Original Story

Stop us if you've heard this one before, but apparently Microsoft could be about to allow indie self-publishing on Xbox One, at long last. This latest rumoured overturning of the platform-holder's stringent indie self-publishing policies comes courtesy of new sources stating that a reversal of the company's publishing requirements could be in the offing imminently.

This would mean that independent developers would be allowed to set their own release dates and pricing for Xbox Live games, with a relatively simple and straightforward certification process akin to Apple's iTunes service that promises a 14-day turnaround from submission to approval.

A number of developers have already sounded off on Microsoft's indie policies for Xbox One, with the likes of Oddworld creator Lorne Lanning stating that the current stance makes MS seem like "one party that's making it very clear they're not interested." Sony by comparison allows indie self-publishing with PS4, and championed a variety of indie games like Supergiant's Transistor, Klei's Don't Starve and Octodad: Dadliest Catch during its E3 presser.

And although the reversal of Microsoft's indie self-publishing policy has yet to be officially confirmed, this seems like a very positive step in the right direction. Perhaps indie games might find a welcoming home on Xbox One after all.

[Via GI]

Comments
70
  • Huzzah!
  • God I hope so. There are some FANTASTIC indie games out there and I'd love it if we get more of them. Too bad Microsoft currently makes it so hard. This is a big advantage Sony has over Microsoft and it would be better for them to make it so.
  • It's about time. I'm glad to see that Microsoft is starting to see the light on this matter. I'd hate to miss out on good games just because of idiotic policies. Off Topic: Moderators, will you please do something about #2?
  • All theses changes are obviously good but it's too late for a lot of people who are getting the PS4 instead, I'll be getting the X1 though.
  • I love the xbox brand, but MS needs to listen to normal people from time to time. I don't think they are out making these bad decisions on purpose to leave people/developers out in the cold, they just don't think like everyone else and are in their own little world. Always been looking forward to the One, but these decisions getting overturned make it a lot nicer.
  • And I gave 2 a thumbs up because 4 got upset over it :p
  • thanks sony.
  • @5 I'm one of those people who are jumping ship, I have no faith in the one what so ever, all this flip flopping is supposed to help me change my mind, but to me it just makes them look desperate, if you're going to do something at least have the balls to try and go through with it. I'll probably pick up a one at some point, maybe in 2015 when they have gained some footing because as it is now the one just looks like a complete mess to me.
  • MS are almost running out of policies to reverse.
  • I only came in here to see if DJWonderbraDJ and welsh dragon888 would continue their arguing. I am dissapointed :[
  • @9, change something...people complain....revert policies to satisfy fans....people complain. There's no winning.
  • Abes odyssey!
  • I hope djwonderbra od's on anthrax But i digress, as a fan of indie games, underdogs and wacky little short titles the excitement begins to build for me!
  • seems sony is doing everything right. if ms wants to keep its gamers happy. this would be a great start. after a horrible E3. i fear ms will lose their gamers like me. i dont like the direction ms is going. so i hope this rumour becomes fact. i am staying with my current setup. i see no reason for next gen. i like my older games too like the outlaw series. i dont have anymore space for extra systems either. i wont sell off my stuff for a next gen unless its brilliant. anyways ms needs to get its gamers back. so make this happen ms. ms policies are to strict. which is why champions online didnt make it. due to patch files and micro transactions. ms needs to be more friendly and bring us games like WOW. which was promised along time ago. with blizzard signing on
  • @12 I never asked them to change anything, did I like the original policies? no, but I didn't want them to change them, they wanted to try something new so they should have ran with it. The thing is I'm not an all about me, type of person, just because I didn't like it I didn't want them to change it as a lot of people liked the ideas (apart from the DRM obviously)
  • @12t you are completely right, its impossible to please everyone. That is the reason i get such a big kick out of watching people try to reason with them.
  • Yo yo yo yo It's DJWonderbra Rap is pretty cool But many highlighted rappers only serve to perpetuate a stereotypical image built on degradation of women and the glorification of violence and the never ending quest for money And that's unfortunate Listen to Outkast's Aquemini or Stankonia and realise there's glorious alternatives out there Did I do it right? :S
  • I have no idea what the policies are now
  • Desperate times call for desperate measures!
  • It's funny, the xbox one that's going to be released isn't even slightly like the one that was revealed as the final thing at E3. It's good things have changed, but Microsoft lost my trust by going head first so hard in the first place. Will I buy the system? Probably eventually provided things stay good, once it's cheaper. (funny how the Kinect wont be needed with the supposed cheaper model being released in 2014), I'm not going to disregard a generation, but my first buy goes to the PS4, why? because the PS4 hasn't shot it's legs off the way Microsoft did. Wins are wins here though at the end of the day, it show's Microsoft that they don't really control their own console, we do.
  • People, people, people... Before you go blindly white-knighting Microsoft yet again, just remember something: no matter how lenient the self-publishing policies may be, Microsoft still treat indie developers like shit, and THAT is the main problem; NOT the self-publishing restrictions themselves. Indie developers can have all the freedom to self-publish their games that they want, but think about the shit that they have to go through with Microsoft time after time after time. The indie developers who have complained about the way they were treated by Microsoft in the past has next to NOTHING to do with self-publishing restrictions. Rather, it was down to things such as having to pay for testers; the pressure and deadlines; the horrible business side of things, etc. Remember that. Microsoft want you to think they're the good guys, but they would quite happily fuck you over given the chance. xx
  • I'll probably get one after the 360s life cycle is running low. With being rather broke at the moment, a new console isn't a high priority when I have plenty of older ones working. I am surprised that they might be starting to give a shit what the consumers think, after their tablet failed, zune did the same. Figured they were too busy rolling around in Windows money.
  • @12 If M$ had ditched the Spy Cam and stuck in better hardware I would be getting the Xbox One since I've been with Xbox since xbox original(just not a gold member) but instead of better hardware you get a spy cam and an OS stated as "being made for adverts". Why would I pay £80 more for a console that comes with a spycam that I will never use, that has an OS built for adverts, when I can use that £80 to buy a couple games instead.
  • Sounds good to me- especially the part about the developer setting their own prices. We'll likely see less games charging $10-15 for something we clearly know is an inferior game for that price point.
  • Hope this is true, Microsoft continuing to make good changes where they need to be made.
  • Now all they gotta do is allow the xbone to run without the kinect attached. Then I might consider getting one.
  • is that all what its going to be from now on, microsoft changed this now....ok im happy again, i'll buy one because they listened. I do not know how people are still trying to find an excuse to buy, just dont if you dont they shit one and apparently "listen" to us (the listen part is bollocks)it just means microsoft can piss people off, make a worldwide-level mistake and get away with it months later, comfort shouldnt have anything to do with it, the consoles are practically the same, i just wouldn't trust a company so bad with hundreds of pounds of my money.
  • Lets get backwards compatibility next yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Or did they announce it already and I missed that's the only way ill even think about xbone otherwise I'm fine wit my 360 I don't need next gen also why do people hate me I said thumbs down for love :(
  • @29 backwards comp will not happen sorry, ON topic this could be really really great, or bad , Microsoft has to at least approve the games or we will be swamped with crap *ala xbox live indie games.
  • That would be nice. Microsoft seem try hard and harder being better and better then past they did. Cannot wait for Xbox One lots. :)
  • At least it'll open up the possibility for more, even better XBLA games, like that 'State of Decay' MMO.
  • Just been confirmed via twitter
  • Well, i'l be damned. Self publishing is coming. (Twitter confirms it.) Still a lot of catching up to do since the Xbox One still has no reasonable advantage over the PS4.
  • How about Microsoft reverse that policy on the Xbox 360... so software developers can drop the price on stuff - instead of creating bundles of crap, either we already bought half of... with the other half we don't care about?! A NinjaBee exec already told me they want to have sale or drop prices... but MS won't let them do it (except as a crappy set of bundles) - and who wants to buy the same game twice, if it only adds one game you want, and two you don't want?!! It'll be interesting to see how pricing adjusts as a game has been on the marketplace for a while, on Xbox One. We might see more "permanent" price-drops for slower-moving, less popular titles... and short "hot" sales to generate interest for popular games that might have gotten missed on first release!
  • Fuckin DayZ !!! Whooooooo
  • Well that's something I did want more Oddworld games but what was the purpose of this restriction? I am still weary of Xbox One but what is left from the reveal? the only things I can think of is mandatory kinnect and installations for games I'm not complaining but what's next a re-designed controller? actuall use of themes for the dashboard rather than 80% being obscured? I hope they don't go too far and cause more damage to the system because I will get it at this rate next year with Dragon Age:Inquistion
  • And the cloud
  • Yep it's been confirmed, Xbox Brothers and Sisters. lets rejoice!!!!! :D
  • The console is out in 3months and I'm still not sure what the hell this xbox one is
  • they're going to drop to $399 before launch day because one of staffs at the xbox one party at san diego comic con think so.
  • Does Microsoft have any credibility left after reversing everything...nope.
  • @35 - Guess that explains why games that came out in 2005 are still priced the same.
  • I don't mind not being able to play my retail games on the X1.. but I see no reason why I shouldnt be able to play the arcade games on the X1.. you telling me they are getting rid of the arcade?!? or is there something I missed why we cant pay arcade games on it..
  • Xbox Facebook page confirms: ""Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development. That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox LIVE. This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox LIVE. We’ll have more details on the program and the timeline at Gamescom in August." - Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer for Xbox announcing that Self Publishing is coming to Xbox One."
  • @44 They are not getting rid of the arcade, they were just resticting it to first party basicly anything with microsoft studios on it. But they appear to have revearsed this anyway, as to why Arcade games don't transfer I have no clue. I am hopeing they make a system plug-in or download to allow backwards compatability akin to the original Xbox's DVD compatability
  • Glad to see all these changes and Xbox One moving into a positive and forward direction. My attitude has changed drastically since E3. I got faith that Microsoft have learned their lesson and is starting to listen to their customers and developers now. If this is confirmed this will be so beneficial for them and us. So many games will be available In the future that previously wasn't due to this policy. Still waiting on the official news of DayZ though. Fingers crossed lol :)
  • Theres also news that every console can be used to develop games now
  • What the fuck is an indie game?
  • MS are really blowing this new console out of the water. Glad I got my preorder in ages ago. Now I just cannot wait.
  • This is awesome news! I love the new creative ideas and alternative gaming experiences that Indy Games give. Xbox One just got even better :)
  • DayZ please!
  • This is amazing. I'm so happy. Xbox One has changed so much since their reveal in May, and it is for the better. Though to be honest, it should've been like this from the start. Anyways, I'm actually excited for the next generation now, unlike before.
  • Anyone else read #31 and think of yoda?
  • Okay, what about the 360? Is the Draconian policies for Indy Games still in affect on that system?
  • Some people are just not satisfied no matter what MS tries to do to please them. So if you want to jump ship, jump ship and please leave quietly, because the rest of us who are buying both or just the One does not want to hear it, period! Also, Kinect is not, I repeat NOT spying on you, get a grip with reality people and come back to the real world, not the conspiracy riddled world in which you live. Next you'll swear up and down that your pet is a spy working for the British government planted in your home to spy on you for the Royals.
  • Have never really bothered with indie games because to be honest,most of them are garbage,if a better quality game and achievements are made availiable,then it gives the player more incentive to buy,that said,the prices will probably rise too.
  • At this rate they're going to announce compatibility with PS4 games next.
  • MS must have employed many acrobats for all the backflips they have been doing. They still are third of three on this matter, but now it's only by a small amount, rather than being miles behind. This is enough though, and it will mean many indy games won't skip the Xbox One while appearing on PS4 & Wii U. If MS had done everything properly straight away (including having Kinect optional, with a cheaper SKU without the Kinect), then no-one would care about the PS4.
  • @58 - I seriously got a kick out of that! Hah. :) These articles just keep getting better! Now who wants to build an indie game for Xbox One with me?
  • You know what? I don't really want PS4 now. I want Xbox One.
  • Great news. Next gen looks sweeter each day. Hopefully this'll mean games like Don't Starve, Cube World, Day Z, Terrorist Town, etc...
  • It probs will be the same as it is now with a £99 a year fee for developing games, but instead of visual studio and xna, you can use the console itself. So there will still be the same amount of indie titles as there is now.
  • Awesome for indie devs but the more open you make your console, the more likely it is to suffer from hacks and mods. Considering the huge hatred towards the Xbox brand right now, this doesn't sound good...
  • That quote... Like they have this grand vision? Like they weren't anti-indie just a couple weeks ago? The people eating this crap up and thinking MS is just the greatest, look into the effects of Stockholm syndrome... "Sure, they're only doing this now to boost sales of the one, but they really do care for me and my opinions"
  • So to keep up with the Times, the ONLY "new" policy M$ haven't reversed is having mandatory Kinect? All these reversals tell me one thing, they fucked up badly. I feel rather embarrassed for M$ but I'm also happy, they shouldn't of tried taking the piss
  • Well interesting but I'm not jumping shit I still find Microsoft better and I'm not bashing Sony but I was a bit disappointed with PS3 when I got PS2 I was a,axed but than Xbox came out and beat it in everyday so I switched and I'm a big Xbox lover now,now I will still get PS4 I have Xbox 1 from amazon and pre ordered PS4 from GameStop (there are still tons of PS4 at all the manhattan and Brooklyn,NYC store I go to I asked why and got from quite a few peeps that work there that "it's not selling as fast as we thought it would" but I will know the true answer after they are released. They pretty much are the same so I don't know what all the BS is for but some treat their consoles like gold or like a GFs honor to defend hehe
  • They really should have called it the Xbox180. Given the number of decisions they've backtracked on a name change wouldn't surprise me at this point either.
  • @58. I'd buy one then, day one :) I have both pre ordered from Amazon.ca (PS4 "Launch Edition", they aren't doing any more day one orders). I can't afford both, so one will be cancelled. Being so heavily invested in xbox over PS, I would of liked to get x1, but I don't like really anything they have done lately, so I will get a PS4, if any. May just wait and see how things are a year from launch.
  • So with all these reversals... Tell me again what is different about the X1 from the PS4? It seems like it comes down now to what company you can stand more... Oh and the kinect, since both have a cloud, indie publishing, used games, all the apps I use... At this point I would be buying the same console. Tho until they make a few tweaks to Xbox Live I'll just stick to my Sony preorder. I like PS+ a lot more with the monthly free games and Netflix not being gated by needing a damn subscription to PS+. Never liked that about Live, I pay my money to Netflix already, why do I have to pay Microsoft too to watch it? Haven't used Live since then and use my PS3 for Netflix etc. Go through stupid policies like that (among others), make Kinect optional and drop the price a bit and maybe I'll take the X1 more seriously, but they'll have to but something I real fantastic to make it stand out from PS4 instead of creating a green copy...
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