Microsoft received a lot of flak when the Xbox One was first unveiled in May, as it stated that indie games would need to be publisher either through a third party or via Microsoft. Needless to say, the response wasn’t exactly overwhelmingly supportive for the Xbox One, and actually resulted in many indie studios aligning with Sony and the PlayStation 4.
However, it was revealed that the Xbox One would allow self-publishing and be revamping its certification process. The ID@Xbox program was revealed at Gamescom, and allowed for any and all parties to take part. It would allow for anyone – small developers or even singular individuals – to publish their games on Xbox Live with access to features like Kinect and Smart Glass. It seems the program is already underway, as ID@Xbox announced via Twitter.
Applied to ID@Xbox? Keep an eye on your inbox: responses are being sent out this week! #XboxOne http://t.co/aqrM115aiR
— ID@Xbox (@ID_Xbox) September 4, 2013
Which studios will be featured on Xbox Live when the console launches on November 22nd worldwide? We’ll find out soon.