Microsoft’s ID@Xbox policy for the Xbox One seemed like the answer to the publisher’s indie development woes, especially with the previous controversies surrounding the company regarding self-publishing games. That was, of course, until the Parity Clause in the program became known.
It stated that you couldn’t release indie titles for the Xbox One if they had appeared on other platforms. If an indie title was slated for other platforms, those same versions had to release on the same day as the Xbox One version. Several developers, including Vlambeer and Witch Beam, protested against this and discontent has only grown since.
Speaking to Edge, ID@Xbox head Chris Charla offered his own take on the situation.“Obviously we’ve heard the feedback from developers and we’re looking at all the ways we can to lower barriers for developers. But I really can’t comment on publishing policies. The reality is that developers should get in touch with us and talk.”
As of now, Microsoft is making special exceptions for developers who decided on other platform releases before ID@Xbox was first announced. As for other developers who can’t afford to delay planned platform releases for the sake of the Xbox One version of their games? Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks to find out.
