The wave of support from Xbox for independent developers continued this week, when Xbox vice president Phil Spencer announced that Microsoft was committed to 10 more years of dedicated support for developers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Spencer said that Microsoft was “dedicated to continuing to provide a platform that indie developers can count on to be successful and find their audience.”
The news comes in the wake of the company’s highly successful Xbox Indie and ID@Xbox program, that have helped small developers gain access to Xbox and the Microsoft Store while connecting them with a large base of players.
The larger developer community was buoyed by the news, with many citing the Xbox team’s strong focus on helping independent developers thrive. Not only has Xbox been hosting numerous Boost Clubs and events around the world but they have also provided additional avenues for indie devs to promote and sell their games. This includes Game Pass, the most popular subscription service for new Xbox players, and the first-party Xbox Store.
“We understand that developers need a safe, thriving and supportive place to bring their amazing game ideas to life and this commitment to continuous investment reaffirms our dedication,” explained Spencer in his statement.
The Xbox team has further stated that they plan to continue to increase the support they already provide to indie developers. This includes expanding their team, granting additional resources and marketing opportunities to small developers, and offering IP protection, customer service, and monetization solutions.
Spencer’s statement was met with much enthusiasm, with many developers praising the Xbox team for their strong commitment to the indie development community. For many small developers, this news could be just the support they were looking for to launch their next game on the Xbox platform. Meanwhile, Xbox players can expect to continue to enjoy diverse and exciting indie titles for years to come.