Once again, Microsoft has changed its mind regarding previously announced policies for its upcoming console, the Xbox One. This time, the switch is related to allowing indie developers the ability to publish games themselves. Up until lately, if "indie" studios wanted to get their games on the Xbox One, then they had no choice but to go through Microsoft Studios or a third-party publisher, undermining the whole idea of being "indie" in the first place. Until yesterday at least, when Xbox Corporate VP Marc Whitten confirmed that studios would be able to self publish, though the exact details surrounding how self-publishing will work haven't been revealed.
Now, you think the move would be celebrated by most of the gaming community, much like when Microsoft decided to go back on its word regarding a required online connection, and sharing / re-selling games for the console. Oddly enough, opinions of this new switch are running the gamut from business analysts and indie developers alike.
GamesIndustry International compiled a number of the industry's well-known analysts and their own thoughts on the issue, some of which we've included below:
* David Cole, DFC Intelligence - "It definitely makes it more developer friendly. Developers will definitely flock to it. One thing is will they ease their publishing regulations? We don't know. There is always an issue of concern when you open up publishing you get a lot of junk and it can overwhelm consumers. The overall impact on the Xbox business is probably negligible. It mainly means consumers will have access to a bunch of products that are already available for PC and mobile platforms, so it is not really a big selling point to get someone to buy an Xbox One."
* Lewis Ward, research manager at IDC - "Xbox Live has emerged as the best overall connected console environment in North America. Just look at the incredible success of Minecraft on the Xbox 360. Imagine what Microsoft could do for indies if it stopped shooting itself in the foot with onerous terms and conditions! Well, this [switch] is a big step in that direction. This was the last big 'philosophical' difference between where Xbox One appeared to be going and where PS4 and Wii U were going in terms of indies. It's too bad that Microsoft had to be dragged kicking and screaming into doing the right - and smart - thing, but, hey, however you get there, you get there."
* Billy Pidgeon, independent analyst - "Marc Whitten's comments regarding Microsoft's policy changes for independent developers and games sound promising and could lead to more good will between indies and Microsoft...It appears the company is responding to industry and consumer concerns, and Whitten's remarks address big issues for independents: lower barriers to entry including self-publishing, and freedom on pricing and curation to overcome the discoverability problem.
* Of course, the oft quoted Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter had his two cents as well - "Anything that gets tools in the hands of creative people with less friction is good for the business. Essentially, they are making dev kits available for $500, and the approval process is similar to the iOS approval process...I think this is really user friendly and will encourage a lot of people (including a ton of people who have never developed a game) to give it a try. That will increase the number of games developed, and it is likely that a few of the efforts will be really cool."
To sum up, obviously the analysts think Microsoft's switch was a smart move on the company's part, as it can and will result in an improved relationship between smaller developers. In terms of that translating to actual dollars for Microsoft, it's a bit early to say, but the money will only come in provided Microsoft can grab an exclusive hold on the titles, not unlike what it did with Minecraft. Otherwise, it's not a motivator for consumers to buy the console if they already have access to the "indie" games on other platforms.
Now, while you think Microsoft's switch would be completely celebrated by indie developers, some still feel a bit slighted, and that previous experience with the company still left certain developers with a sour taste, negating future dealings. We've added some responses to the news, compiled by Shack News, and added a few others:
* Markus "Notch" Persson, Minecraft, speaking with Edge Online - "I think it's a wonderful idea to have the actual box be the dev kits. This makes it easier for both the developer and for Microsoft, and presumably they could make it a lot cheaper since they'd only sell unlock codes. I realize there are other factors at play here, though, like a perceived need to make sure only 'legitimate' developers get access to it, so a monetary barrier might still be in place."
* Brian Provinciano, Retro City Rampage, speaking with Polygon - "After my experience working with them to release on Xbox 360, I have no interest in even buying an Xbox One, let alone developing for it. The policy changes are great, but they don't undo the experience I had. I'm not ready to forget what I went through. Working with Microsoft was the unhappiest point of my career. Policies are one thing, but developer relations are another."
* Phil Fish, Fez - Fish had previously told Polygon, "Whether or not I would develop for it comes down to how the platform holder treats me. With Microsoft they've made it painfully clear they don't want my ilk on their platform." Commenting on the recent policy switch, he tweeted simply, "good for them!"
* Rami Ismail, Ridiculous Fishing - "Of course, this is great news and Vlambeer is happy to hear that. Obviously, we'll have to wait until Gamescom to hear all the details and figure out whether limitations are in place."
* Jennifer Schneidereit, developer Nyamyam games, Tengami - "Up until now Microsoft have displayed a mentality that excludes independent developers. This makes it difficult for me to trust their motives for reversing their stance now. From my time at Microsoft, I know that company goals and direction change frequently. These new plans might just be a last minute band-aid and we'll end up with a similar situation to Xbox Live Indie Games, where Microsoft provides a system, but doesn't give it the support it needs to be successful. Microsoft will have to do a lot more to gain my trust than just changing their self-publishing policy."
* Matt Thorson, TowerFall - "For me, lack of self-publishing makes it very difficult to consider launching on a platform. I've never worked with Microsoft, but I've heard horror stories from other indies. Fingers crossed they're aware of the problems and are ready to put in the work to catch up to Sony. They seem to be on the right track with this and the recent removal of the XBLA patch fee."
We'll keep you posted once Microsoft reveals the official details on how self-publishing will work.
