First Xbox One independent developers revealed

Chris Charla, Director of Microsoft’s self-publishing programme [email protected] (Independent Developers @ Xbox), has revealed the first batch of independent developers that have signed on.

Microsoft will reportedly make its certification process similar to iTunes, with a 14-day window from submission to approval. This will speed up the patching process that previously hindered indie developers on Xbox 360, who also had to pay a large sum of money for the patch to be issued.

With the likes of Crytek on the list, it must be noted that [email protected] isn’t only for the small, home-brew type of indie developer, but also open to the big guys who aren’t owned and operated by a large publishing company.

Behavior
Born Ready
Capy
Comcept
Crytek
Definition 6
Double Eleven
Double Fine
Drinkbox
Gaijin Games
Half-Brick
Happion Labs
Hidden Path
High Voltage
Inis
Iron Galaxy
Jackbox Games
Nicalis
Ninja Bee
Other Ocean
Panic Button
Signal Studios
Slightly Mad Studios
Team 17
Team Colorblind
The Men Who Wear Many Hats
The Odd Gentlemen
Vlambeer
Way Forward
Zeboyd Games
Zen Studios

Charla explained they have had thousands of interested developers approach them, and so far have shipped out 50 Xbox One dev kits. The approved developers above are just the start, said Charla, with more announcements coming soon.

Unity will be available for free to Xbox One devs, and Microsoft is working to make any retail Xbox One convertible into a dev kit, lowering the barriers of entry.

“We want to make Xbox One a great platform for developers of all scales and sizes for years to come. We’ve been amazed at the response from developers to [email protected], and we really appreciate their patience as we ramp up the program. Interest in [email protected] has been global – from Japan to Finland, developers in more than 50 countries are excited to get their games on Xbox One.” said Charla.