Microsoft open to indie section on Xbox One marketplace

‘We’re never going to stop listening’: Chris Charla on ID@Xbox

Microsoft is constantly listening to what developers want and accepts any criticisms sent its way, says Chris Charla.

Speaking at the Develop Conference, Charla, who runs the Xbox One’s independent developer self-publishing program ID@Xbox, said one of the goals of the program was to be transparent and open about its policies.

He added that the firm could hear loud and clear the old issues Microsoft had when developing the new program, and was keen to listen and act on feedback from developers.

He said the use of social media shined a spotlight on Microsoft’s policies, and stated it was competely right developers presented feedback in this way, as it was important for Microsoft to be accessible to creators.

"I’m really happy to be under the hard light of Twitter, even if it’s painful sometimes," said Charla.

He added:" Being out there and having a direct relationship with the community is essential."

Charla reiterated some of the benfits of joining the ID@Xbox program, such as receiving two Xbox One dev kits, having a free Unity Pro licence and access to documentation and middleware.

But on how accessible the program is to developers, he admitted Microsoft still wanted to curate who gets development kits. He also added there was currently no news on its previous announcement that developers could use retail Xbox One consoles as dev kits.

He said the program is open to professional developers and those who have shipped on console, PC, mobile or tablet, but it was hoping to broaden its reach in future.

Games released by independent developers are currently listed on the general marketplace, with no specific indie section available to users.

Charla teased however Microsoft was looking into making it easier to search for ID@Xbox games, though they will continue to appear alongside all other titles on the store.

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