Microsoft isn't deaf to criticism of the ID@Xbox program's release parity clause, outed by Nuclear Throne developer Vlambeer earlier this week - if you're among those bothered by it, you should absolutely get in touch.

The clause obliges applicants to release their games on Xbox One at the same time as on other platforms, providing they haven't already agreed to launch on another platform first - no small feat, when you're an attic studio with a permanent headcount of two.

Speaking to OXM in London today, the program's director Chris Charla was unable to discuss the specifics of the policy, but assured us that he's aware of the response. "We can't comment on our publishing policies, but obviously we love getting feedback from developers," he said. "That's what's going to make the program as good as it possibly can be for developers. So we love the feedback and we take it to heart."

Does Charla have any particular advice for those who've expressed concerns? "Yeah, they should email me! Honestly, I'm not being flippant - they should get in touch. It's something where we want to talk to individual developers about it."

The best email to use is probably: id [at] xbox [dot] com. You can read more about ID@Xbox over on Xbox.com.

Microsoft announced the first wave of developers who've signed up for ID@Xbox earlier this week - standouts include Psychonauts developer Double Fine, Keiji Inafune's Comcept, Need for Speed developer Slightly Mad Studios and Signal Studios, the outfit behind Ascend: Hand of Kul. They'll all receive two free Xbox One development kits and free access to Unity tools, and enjoy the same level of access to the hardware as publisher-owned studios like DICE.

http://www.oxm.co.uk/67948/worried-about-the-idxbox-release-parity-clause-email-me-says-microsofts-chris-charla/

Charla continues, "No really, please contact me. My inbox is empty."

You would hope that someone that is a real developer would have more knowledge about the programs and the choices to be made than all of the BS hype being thrown around the net this last week about this.

At least they are trying to listen. Good move. Better than some other companies.

If the PS4 continues to outsell the XBone, then this clause will be history very quickly.

It's a huge problem. Indies aren't doing timed exclusives, they're just trying to release the game as soon as possible. With smaller studios we do not have the manpower to work on three different versions simultaneously. Instead we have to finish one version, start and finish a port, and then start and finish the second port. It should be the dev's decision to hold all the versions back or release them when they're ready, not Microsoft's. Do you agree with Ubisoft pushing back the Wii U version of Rayman 6 months just to match releases?

I haven't signed up for ID@XBOX for unrelated reasons, but I'll probably be sending them an email.

what game are you making? 

The last guardian.

That's a joke because it was originally planned to have been released by now, but instead it hasn't even been announced yet.

That's awesome to hear. I don't know much about this Chris Charla yet but he seems to be taking the program down the right track. Microsoft seemed to have gotten away from listening to developers for awhile so it's good for the industry that they're working on reversing that trend. Fingers crossed that it's not just lip-service, though I don't think it is. I've only heard good feedback on Charla.

THIS is exactly why competition is such a good thing (for the most part). Microsoft first forced Sony to improve the way they dealt with small developers and now Sony has forced Microsoft to improve. It's nice to see this work out as well in practice as in theory.

Its a problem as  small studios cant afford to develop games simultaneously and with this policy they would have too delay other versions for xboxone version and thus cut off revenue streams etc which are vital for small studios , microsoft is basically strong arming small studios for their own benefit which some may say their entitled to do    but its not healthy for small studios and if sony had the same clause some  indies would basically have to kiss goodbye to launching on both consoles which would suck for them  .

Its already affecting some devs like witchbeam who MS wont allow on X1 and the game forcewhich is being delayed on wiiu and ps4 because  of this clause