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Xbox Puts Emphasis on Independent Creators: Why Indie Games Remain Vital for the Platform
Paris Games Week Highlights Independent Games
The Paris Games Week convention’s “Next Level” edition began on November 1, attracting gamers from all around. While attendees flocked to their favorite platform holder’s stands, such as PlayStation and Nintendo, Xbox fans were greeted with a different proposition. Microsoft’s gaming branch chose to showcase independent games, including titles like Jusant by developer Don’t Nod, alongside popular first-party releases like Starfield and Forza Motorsport.
ID@Xbox: Empowering Independent Developers
Jusant, a minimalist climbing game self-published with the support of the ID@Xbox initiative, demonstrates Xbox’s commitment to independent creators. Xbox’s director of ID@Xbox, Guy Richards, stated that independent creators have never been more important to the platform. The ID@Xbox program has been running for ten years but has expanded significantly this year. It aims to provide support to independent developers and help them self-publish their games on Xbox platforms. Furthermore, Xbox’s Developer Acceleration program supports creators from underrepresented groups, promoting diversity in gaming.
A Growing Focus on Independent Games
Despite Xbox’s recent acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, the platform holder remains dedicated to supporting independent creators. The expansion of Xbox’s first-party studios does not diminish the importance of independent games on the platform. Richards assured that the team working with indie creators has never been bigger, and Xbox continues to invest in indie games. The company aims to include all creators, genres, and diverse stories in gaming, and the ID@Xbox program plays a crucial role in achieving that goal.
The Impact of Xbox Game Pass on Indie Games
Xbox Game Pass: A Double-Edged Sword
Xbox’s Game Pass subscription has proven successful for indie games. Titles like Sea of Stars and Cocoon received widespread exposure by being included in Game Pass on their release day. However, some game developers see Game Pass as a potential threat to base game sales. Microsoft acknowledged this concern in a report to the UK Competition and Markets Authority. Despite this, Richards highlighted the additional benefits provided by Game Pass, such as increased visibility and compensation for developers. The custom approach taken by Xbox ensures a win-win situation for all parties involved.
Indie Games Benefit from Game Pass
Publishers and industry professionals recognize the benefits of Game Pass for indie games. Just for Games’ producer and brand manager, Maximilien Breton, appreciates the support for indie games from first-party studios. Small publishers often lack funding and means of communication, so showcases and programs like ID@Xbox are considered beneficial for everyone. The increased visibility provided by Game Pass also opens up opportunities for publishers to form partnerships with indie developers.
The Challenges Faced by Independent Developers
The Financial Implications
While the ID@Xbox program and Game Pass offer support and visibility to independent creators, challenges remain. Xavier Liard, co-founder of Playdigious, points out the difficulty for independent developers to access funds amid high loan interest rates. These financial struggles can lead to layoffs in the industry and create an unbalanced environment. Liard explains that good games may struggle to find publishers, even as the market becomes saturated with new indie titles. With limited room for success, the competition is fierce.
The Thorny Path of Self-Publishing
While the ID@Xbox program supports self-publishing, it can still be a challenging endeavor for independent developers. Emilio Molina Cazorla, chief technical officer for BlitWorks, which used ID@Xbox support to self-publish Spelunky 2, acknowledges the difficulties of handling both development and publishing. While ID@Xbox provides valuable assistance, some developers prefer more traditional publishing routes to mitigate risks associated with self-publishing.
The Future of Independent Games on Xbox
The Continued Importance of Indie Creators
Guy Richards emphasizes that independent creators will remain integral to Xbox’s vision. Xbox intends to grow alongside its recent acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, creating more opportunities for players and developers. The ID@Xbox program has been instrumental in supporting independent developers, and its success will continue to shape Xbox’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in gaming.