Microsoft has gained a reputation as not being an indie game friendly system, especially compared to platforms like Steam and the PlayStation Network. One of the big obstacles in the way of more indie titles appearing on the Xbox Live Arcade is that Microsoft demands that an indie game acquire a publishing deal with either Microsoft or a third party in order for the product to appear on Xbox.
But some were hoping that in light of Sony actively courting indie games and studios, Microsoft would lift this requirement for the Xbox One. That does not appear to be the case, according to the general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms Matt Booty. When asked about the issue, he clarified Microsoft's stance to Shacknews, and stated that developers will still need publishers to get games on XBLA:
"As of right now, yes. We intend to continue to court developers in the ways that we have..I would also expect that for this new generation, that we're going to continue to explore new business models and new ways of surfacing content. But Microsoft Studios is a publisher that works with a wide range of partners, as do a lot of other people, to bring digital content to the box."
Microsoft is the only major company with online distribution that requires a publisher for a game. The PlayStation Store, Nintendo's eShop and Steam all allow indie developers to self publish their games, making it easier for smaller companies to put out games on major platforms. Some indie developers, such as Thomas Was Alone creator Mike Bithell, have already voiced their displeasure at the move via Twitter:
"So it looks like you won't be seeing #project2 on your Xbox One..."
The Xbox One will be out later this year, though an exact date and price point have yet to be disclosed.
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