Microsoft is making a big change towards opening up its publishing process for games on Xbox, similar to Steam’s more accessible approach. This move aims to make it easier and less restrictive for developers to publish their games on the platform.
The new Xbox Game Publishing Guide is now publicly available, providing information on how to publish games on Xbox without NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) or embargos. This change will help level the playing field for indie developers and larger publishers alike.
Microsoft says that this move will simplify the process of publishing games on Xbox by making its documentation freely accessible. It also means that creators can share their knowledge, discuss it in online communities, and create content around the publishing criteria.
The guide covers topics such as onboarding info, wishlisting details, pre-orders, release configuration guidance, Xbox Insider Program, and new test services. Microsoft will update the document regularly to ensure everyone has access to the latest rulesets.
This move is part of a larger effort by Microsoft to make its gaming efforts more Steam-like. The company aims to bridge the gap between Xbox console games and Xbox PC users through its Xbox Play Anywhere program. By making game publishing more accessible, Microsoft hopes to attract more developers and creators to its platform.
In an interview, ID@Xbox lead Chris Charla mentioned that this is just the first step in a bigger journey to simplify the onboarding process for getting games published on Xbox. The company is exploring investments to make the process easier both technologically and philosophically.
Developers interested in publishing their games on Xbox can sign up for ID@Xbox and join the MS Game Dev Discord channel. The new Xbox Game Publishing Guide can be read in full on Microsoft’s website.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-just-took-a-big-step-towards-making-xbox-publishing-more-open-and-steam-like-heres-whats-new