We’ve collected together some of the facts that weren’t mentioned in the presentation, such as the fact that Microsoft will charge fees for traded, borrowed or used games, that the Xbox One will heavily rely on a strong internet connection, that it won’t be backwards compatible, that it requires a Kinect sensor in order to function and that Xbox 360 controllers and accessories won’t be compatible with the new technology.
If you were looking forward to using the Xbox One for independent games, don’t hold your breath. Presumably in an effort to make their console distinct from the PlayStation 4 - for which Sony is eagerly chasing independent titles, and will continue to allow developers to self-publish through the PlayStation Network - Microsoft’s general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms told ShackNews that there are currently no plans to allow indie game self-publishing on the Xbox One:
To make matters worse, an interview with Microsoft rep Phil Harrison over at Eurogamer revealed that the company is shutting down Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Live Indie Games, the latter of which is currently the only way that independent developers can self-publish games for the Xbox 360. This is, ostensibly, in keeping with the Xbox One’s philosophy of having everything in one place - including games:
Unless Microsoft changes their mind on this matter, they’ll find themselves at a troubling disadvantage compared to their direct competitors. As mentioned above, Sony already encourages indie developers to publish on the PlayStation Network, as does Nintendo for the Nintendo Network, and Steam largely made its name as a download platform for independent titles.
Some independent studios, like Mojang, are in talks with Microsoft or other studios to try and negotiate an Xbox One release for their games, but the fact that studios are required to strike a third party publishing deal before people can play their titles on the Xbox One simply increases the chance of PS4 and Wii U exclusives, whilst diminishing the potential number of exclusives for the Xbox One, and means that quite a few independent titles may be available on all platforms except for the Xbox One.
Does this affect your decision of which next-gen console you’re going to buy, or are you holding out on a decision until after E3?
The Xbox One will be available to buy in the fall.
Source: ShackNews & Eurogamer
