TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video game industry, has welcomed Xbox One’s independent developer self-publishing programme, following Microsoft’s announcement yesterday.
The new programme, called ID@Xbox, will provide each registered developer with two free Xbox One development kits, and offer access to the full power of the console, cloud services, Kinect and the Xbox Live toolset, in addition to Xbox SmartGlass, multiplayer, Achievements and Gamerscore.
Applications to the ID@Xbox Program are now open, and TIGA encourages its members to visit www.xbox.com/id to find out more.
Dr. Richard Wilson, CEO, TIGA, said:
“This is great news for the independent developer community, and marks a real progression of Microsoft’s business strategy for the Xbox One. Microsoft and Sony are clearly intent on working constructively with this vital segment of the UK games industry. TIGA members have been campaigning behind the scenes to have more direct access to the consoles and so it is really encouraging to see these positive developments.
“What’s particularly encouraging is the specific issues facing independents are clearly being taken into account – no fees for title updates, free dev kits to bring down barriers to entry, as well as enhanced search, social integration and community engagement tools to help address discoverability. TIGA welcomes the suggested 70/30 revenue split too, and equally important are the breadth of tools and services available to experiment with, from Smartglass to Kinect.
“If the UK video game industry is to fulfil its high growth, high value potential, the independent developer community must be empowered, financially and technologically, to explore and deliver upon its almost unlimited creative capabilities. This is a significant step in the right direction from an industry leader and we will be encouraging all our members to consider applying for the new self-publishing service, ID@Xbox, as soon as possible.”
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About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association representing the video games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 16 business awards.
TIGA focuses on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.
For further information, please contact:
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org
Drew Field, TIGA Communications Director on: 07720 643 344, or email: drew.field@tiga.org