Microsoft confirmed the latest added functionality to Xbox One: "Independent Developers @ Xbox," a program that fosters self-published games from independent developers, at the Germany's Gamescom Conference, today. The company also featured other information on the new program as well as the terms and standards aspiring game makers need to comply with in order for them to access the company's online marketplace.
Approved independent developers are given the privilege of publishing their products to the online gaming store, and they will be provided with two dev kits, tools for Kinect, unlimited access to could services, Smart Glass, and integration materials they can use in venturing to the online gaming business.
The program is a freeware application, but it will only be given to developers with stellar credentials in shipping quality games via PC, tablet, mobile, or directly to the consoles. This is said to be the company's means of regulating and ensuring that only trusted independent developers can market quality products; however, the downside is seen in the possibly long waiting period or even rejection for some starting game makers.
Former portfolio director for XBLA and current director of ID@XBox Chirs Charla said that independent developers who will not make the cut can also try programming for the Windows 8 platform of the company, sharing that this will most likely prepare them, let alone improve their game-developing skills.
Without disclosing the prospect scale of the new program, Charla said that ID@Xbox will be an inclusive dev kit for independent developers, enabling them to work on primary business elements, such as shipping and working history.
Microsoft announced that the program will start accepting all the applications from the developers starting this fall. The company continued saying that unapproved developers will still get their second chance later on as long as they continue to prove to the company their credibility in publishing their own brand of games. However, no exact date or specific timeline on the future application process was presented as of the moment.
Finally, the company has announced its plan of establishing an online network for developers and community managers apart from holding developer events aimed at featuring the ID@Xbox program in San Francisco, Seattle, and London this fall.
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