Developers Can Self-Publish to Xbox One via Microsoft's Indie Program

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By Chelsea Stark2013-08-20 10:01:00 UTC

Microsoft announced the details of its own self-publishing platform for the Xbox One Tuesday, which will allow developers accepted into the program to make their games available more easily than before.

The program, titled ID@Xbox, will begin accepting online applications immediately for those interested in self-publishing their games to the Xbox One's store.

See also: Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Which Console Wins?

Microsoft made the announcement at Gamescom, a game convention in Cologne, Germany. The program will be headed by Chris Charla, who originally served as Portfolio director for the XBLA storefront.

"Microsoft has a heritage of enabling developers to do great things and that support continues today," Charla said. "The independent development scene has matured and changed a ton in the past couple of years, so we are acting on that to meet the needs of the development community. We’re really proud to offer this new path onto Xbox One and we’re excited to see what independent developers will build."

Developers with a history of success on other platforms such as PC, console and mobile will get priority in the application process. Developers accepted into the program will get two free Xbox One development kits. There is no fee to apply, and those interested can do so at xbox.com/id.

Microsoft said in the past the eventual goal is for any Xbox One console to be used as a development kit, a fact that was reaffirmed at the press conference.

Indie self-published games will be available in the same storefront as the rest of Xbox One's games. Microsoft said there are several systems that will allow users to discover and search for new content, with a Spotlight service to highlight editor's picks and recommendations based on other games the user already owns.

What do you think of the Xbox One self publishing model? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Image: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Topics: Entertainment, Gaming, indie games, self publishing, xbox one