At this point, it goes without saying that Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox One gaming console has run into a lot of controversies since its inception. While most of the complaints have arrived from big time developers, critics, and fans, there are also quite a few indie developers who are also finding the Xbox One policies difficult to cope with. One such developing company is Compulsion Games.
Compulsion Games is set to release its upcoming puzzle platform game Contrast, and its community manager Sam Abbott was recently interviewed by Gamingbolt, where he discussed how difficult it is for indie developers to acquire Xbox One dev kits this early in the game, and how this is affecting his, and other indie developers.
“Microsoft currently isn’t letting indies self-publish, so we’re holding out for the moment in the hopes that they reverse their positions. Development kits are also more difficult to gain access to this early in the game. We’re hoping that will change at some point soon,” Abbott stated.
The information from Abbott has to go down as strange news considering how close we are to the release of the Xbox One. Like Compulsion, there are a number of developing companies still awaiting their first Xbox One dev kit.
On a similar topic, while discussing about Sony’s policies for the same on its upcoming PlayStation 4, Abbott believes that the Xbox One situation is comparatively a big disappointment for indie titles and that it’s a shame that they don’t want to support indie genres just yet.
“The diversity of the games being produced is just astounding, and we’re seeing more and more devs applying for things like the Indie Megabooth at PAX. And, in terms of general gamer culture, appreciation for indies is growing, which is super great. So the Xbox One situation is a big disappointment for indies given how well other parts of the community are going, and to be honest, it’s a bit of a surprise. I’m sure Microsoft is still figuring out what it wants to do, but it’s a real shame that they don’t want to join the party just yet,” said Abbott.
But Abbott and others aren't letting Microsoft's policies get them down. "The community is still growing, and the culture is wonderfully supportive, collaborative and encouraging. While there are elements of competition, there is a huge explosion of ideas and feedback, and I think gaming is better off because of it," he stated.
Xbox One is currently set for a release later this year.
