Microsoft's ID@Xbox policy means this indie twin-stick shooter can't launch on Xbox O

December 9th, 2013, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster

Microsoft's ID@Xbox program means - theoretically - anyone can self-publish on Xbox One. But there are strings attached.Last week Microsoft announced a list of 32 developers that had been accepted onto the ID@Xbox program. It includes the likes of Double Fine, Slightly Mad Studio and even Crytek.Interestingly, indie developer Iron Galaxy was on the list for two-button fighting game Divekick, which has already released on PlayStation consoles.It turns out that Microsoft has ditched its platform exclusivity requirement for Xbox One. Microsoft required exclusivity, timed exclusivity or at the very least launch date parity for Xbox 360 games - but it has confirmed it is willing to work with developers on a case-by-case for games that have already released on other platforms when it comes to Xbox One."We do not require exclusivity agreements. However, we do ask for day one parity with other console game platforms," a Microsoft spokesperson said."In instances where games have signed a timed exclusive with another platform, we'll work with them on a case by case basis."In short, you can self-publish on Xbox One if you do so at the same time as other platforms. So far, so (relatively) good.Then, later last week, indie developer Vlambeer, also on the list, revealed the steps it took to get onto ID@Xbox - exposing a curious loophole in the process.According to Vlambeer co-founder Rami Ismail, Vlambeer contacted Sony to set up launch exclusivity for Nuclear Throne on PlayStation 4 after it heard about Microsoft's launch parity clause. Why? Because it heard an exception would be made for games that were already signed to another platform before ID@Xbox was announced at Gamescom.Ismail, as you'd expect, wants Microsoft to drop the platform parity clause, thus enabling developers to self-publish their games as various versions are complete.For Vlambeer - and Xbox One owners - it should all work out in the end, with Nuclear Throne launching on Microsoft's console. But for others it's not so simple.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ch-on-xbox-one

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