Microsoft to open Xbox One to self-publishing, claims report

Microsoft is preparing to announce a revised indie game policy that will allow indie developers to self-publish on Xbox One, according to a report.

Game Informer cites anonymous 'sources' as claiming that the new policies will welcome indie developers to Xbox One with open arms by allowing them to release games on the new console without having to first find a publishing partner.

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The report also claims that the firm is revising its certification process, with the aim of cutting back approval times to a targeted 14 days, and eliminating costly charges for game updates.

The news would support a recent tip from Lionhead Studios creative director Gary Carr, who said Microsoft is planning to reveal new Xbox One publishing policies "very soon".

"I certainly know that Microsoft want to talk at future press events about their relationships with indies," he said.

Previous concerns that the Xbox One marketplace would not feature distinct Xbox Live Arcade and Indie channels, and will instead group all games into one category, led former Xbox boss Don Mattrick to pledge indie support on Xbox One.

Microsoft has already demonstrated a willingness to make major sweeping changes to its Xbox One policies, after having shockingly ditched the Xbox One DRM system that stood at the core of the new console's online-focused E3 sales pitch.

The firm has also undergone significant exec-level changes within its Xbox business, with the departure of Mattrick in early July - for a new role as CEO at Zynga - and the appointment of his replacement, former Windows chief Julie Larson-Green, who was named boss of the Devices and Studios Engineering Group.

According to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, these changes came as part of a sweeping restructuring plan designed to enable greater innovation and efficiency in the face of fierce competition in the technology sector.

"Improving our performance has three big dimensions: focusing the whole company on a single strategy, improving our capability in all disciplines and engineering/technology areas, and working together with more collaboration and agility around our common goals," said Ballmer.

Source: http://rss.computerandvideogames.com/c/674/f/8603/s/2f1cce05/sc/5/l/0L0Scomputerandvideogames0N0C420A7360Cmicrosoft0Eto0Eopen0Exbox0Eone0Eto0Eself0Epublishing0Eclaims0Ereport0C0Dcid0FOTC0ERSS0Gattr0FCVG0EGeneral0ERSS/story01.htm

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