OXMUK

Markus "Notch" Persson - consummate hat-wearer, Minecraft creator and multi-millionaire - heartily approves of Microsoft's decision to make every retail Xbox One a potential devkit, as reported by Edge.

"I think it's a wonderful idea to have the actual box be the dev kits," Notch told the site. "This makes is 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."

Had Notch said this about half-an-hour ago, I'd have added his thoughts to this feature on the questions Microsoft needs to answer at Gamescom in August. That's what you get for tardiness, Notch.

This is obviously quite the endorsement, given that Minecraft is both one of the most successful games ever made and one of the most successful game creation platforms ever made. It's coming to Xbox One, you know.

http://www.oxm.co.uk/59101/microsofts-xbox-one-devkit-policy-is-wonderful-says-minecraft-creator/

good to hear positive news about xbox one

You gotta spin this off to get more hits Nsanity. Good news about MS/X1 is not welcomed around here.

Anyway this is excellent news for developers aspirants.

It does seem to be a very cool idea. Is it the same as Apple, where you just pay a fee to become a developer?

Plus it is nice to hear Notch say something nice about the X1. It was kind of weird him insulting the console he is exclusive to.

Not sure how this is good news other than he likes the general concept. He also suggests that it won't really be cheaper if M$ asks for big $$$ for the unlock codes. It is not much of a surprise that he is endorsing a M$ product, as he has made MILLIONS from the 360 version of MINECRAFT alone. Besides those two points, it is atleast a minor victory for M$ to have more than 2-3 days go by without someone from their camp saying or doing something to make them look like idiots.