Microsoft’s ID@Xbox is in full swing. Director Chris Charla, speaking to OXM, talked about how the console’s performance will be improved using Cloud computing, including how the program will guarantee things that can’t be conceived of right now.
“We’re super-excited to see what the developers bring. One thing I can say, having worked with indie developers for three years at Microsoft Studios, and having worked as an independent myself for 10 years before that, is that we can guarantee that we’ll see things that we can’t conceive of right now.”
As for the Cloud computing aspect, Charla stated, “I’m super-excited about that, and I think players should be super-excited about that – this is something for the entire industry to be excited about. Offering this additional way onto the platform is going to result in a ton more great content for players, and what developers do with Kinect is going to be fascinating.
“I’m really excited to see what independent devs do with the trigger motors in the new controller. I think there are things we think are going to be used one way – like, the triggers make gas pedals feel amazing in Forza, but I just know there’s an indie out there that’s going to see that technology, and come up with a totally different way of looking at it, and all of a sudden there’s going to be a completely different kind of game. It gives me goosebumps to think about it. I think we’re going to see some amazing stuff.”
ID@Xbox allows just about anyone to develop for the console, from singular individuals to small teams, and allows them to self-publish their games on Xbox Live. ID@Xbox games are expected to launch in early 2014.