OXMUK
Robotoki founder and former Infinity Ward man Robert Bowling has added his voice to the chorus of independent developers calling for lower entry thresholds to publication on Xbox One. Speaking to OXM ahead of the next generation Xbox reveal, Bowling urged Microsoft to adopt looser, less cost-intensive policies in order to win back developers from PC and mobile.
"Lower or remove the barrier to entry for indie development," he rejoined, when we asked what Microsoft needed to do to maintain the edge next gen. "Whether it's the cost to develop for the console, or the ability for an indie developer to support their game post-launch."
As we've reported a fair few times now, Microsoft's decision to stick with existing Xbox Live publishing policies (including fees for game updates and no allowance for self-publishing) has roused the ire of certain independents, though the likes of Just Add Water's Stewart Gilray have said they sympathise with Microsoft's agenda.
"I honestly believe we can have the degree of innovation and ambitious type of game development we see on PC and in mobile on consoles, simply by removing the artificial limitations that are serving as a 'quality approval' for the platform," Bowling told us.
"In the past, I think it was necessary, to demand a certain level of quality that would be expected from dropping $60 on a disc based game. However, as more and more studios move to digital downloads and smaller yet experienced teams, I believe the focus on Microsoft and all leading console manufactures is to move from the role of a gatekeeper to the role of a content curator. Highlight the quality while openly accepting a sea of content creators, [to give them] equal footing on the playing field."
Microsoft exec Don Mattrick has insisted that there's "no way" Xbox One won't support indies, but has yet to specify exactly how. A little more tangibly, Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer has promised to introduce a "diversity" of business models, price points and concepts via Xbox Live down the road.
Robotoki's Human Element is one of 29 confirmed Xbox One games. It's a cross-platform, apocalypse survival affair, down for launch in 2015.
http://www.oxm.co.uk/55274/xbox-one-indie-games-could-rival-pc-if-microsoft-cuts-artificial-limitations-says-former-infinity-ward-man/
