Microsoft’s start to the current gen console cycle has been rocky. From the initial draconian DRM policies to the high price of the Xbox One, Microsoft took many missteps that has been the subject of much controversy but when one looks back, it’s nothing short of remarkable that Xbox One is doing fairly well, although it’s still lagging behind the PS4 in sales.
Microsoft have essentially fixed everything that they messed up in late 2013/early 2014. They have improved the console’s technical prowess via a number of SDK updates and did a fantastic job in launching AAA exclusives during the later half of 2014. But the id@Xbox policy is still a subject of bother. Many indie developers are still wary of the parity clause and despite its presence, Microsoft is asking developers to talk to them.
Adding to a number of indie games that will be launching on the PS4 and not on the Xbox One is Owen Deery’s Small Radios Big Televisions. In an exclusive interview with GamingBolt, Owen revealed why the game is not coming on Xbox One for now.
“At some point it would be cool to do an Xbox One version if I get the chance. I spoke to both Sony and Microsoft reps at the same event and after emailing them both Sony was the only one that ever emailed me back,” Owen said to GamingBolt.
When I asked him when did he approached Microsoft regarding the Xbox One version, Owen replied with the following.
“I approached a rep from Microsoft at the same event last Autumn where I talked to the Sony reps. I talked to them briefly about my game and working on it for ID@Xbox, and then I sent some follow up emails but never got a response. By that point Sony had already replied and said they wanted my game so I ran with that and forgot about Microsoft.”
He also clarified that the game is not coming on the Xbox One in the same it’s way as it’s not coming on PS Vita or Wii U. However there is a possibility that it may come to the platform but currently he is not in talks with Microsoft.
On a personal note, I believe that when Microsoft wants developers to talk with them, they need to maintain a proper communication channel with them. Simply avoiding or ignoring their emails is not going to help matters. Regardless, I hope that Small Radios Big Televisions does find a home on the Xbox One in the future. It has an extremely interesting gameplay concept according to the video above. For more on the game, we recommend checking out the game’s official site here.
Stay tuned for our full interview with Owen.