Despite earlier claims to the contrary, Microsoft sent out a press release to ensure everyone that the Xbox One will still have developer functionality.
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At a Brighton developers conference, Xbox Advanced Technology Group's Martin Fuller said that initially every retail Xbox One would contain dev kit features, with the mission statement that every Xbox One user could conceivably be a creator. Users could create and debug their own software, without having to be dependent on Microsoft-created tools. Those plans fell through, Fuller stated: "In the end, although that was a very admirable goal, it hasn't happened unfortunately. Can't tell you the specifics of exactly why not."
Dev kit capabilities were announced last year alongside Microsoft's ID@Xbox scheme. A couple of games that have already been released under the latter program include Strike Suit Zero and Supreme Time Force. Studios who apply for the ID@Xbox program get two free developer kits. But Fuller's statements were quickly rescinded by Microsoft.
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"The comments today were inaccurate," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "We remain committed to ensuring the best possible solution for developers and hobbyists to create games for Xbox One. We will share more details at a later date."
After the "You need a Kinect for the One at all times"/"No you don't" flip-flop last year, Microsoft can't keep making such PR blunders. Which specific comments were inaccurate? What could Fuller have meant? Will dev kit capabilities still be included in retail Xbox One packages? We'll keep any of you budding Xbox One developers posted with any further news on this.