Isao Murayama of Microsoft Japan
On December 17, 2023, the conference “Indie Developers Conference 2023” aimed at indie game developers was held. In this article, we will report on the session titled “How do I release titles on Xbox? What about Game Pass?”
What is the appeal of the self-publishing program “ID@Xbox” for distributed games?
In this session, Mr. Isao Murayama of Microsoft Japan will be on stage. The appeal of ID@Xbox, a self-publishing program for distributed games for Xbox and Windows, and the flow of indie game distribution were introduced.
To distribute your game on the Microsoft Store, first use ID@Xbox.Registrationto hold. Mr. Murayama emphasized the ease of use by saying, “Just because you register doesn’t mean you have to release any kind of title.”
Additionally, starting in the summer of 2023, an “Xbox Game Pass” registration application form will be added to the ID@Xbox registration form. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that allows you to play approximately 400 games selected by Microsoft on consoles and PCs, and approximately 300 titles through streaming. If you also wish to distribute on Xbox Game Pass, please apply here at the same time.
After completing the entry and signing the NDA, submit a proposal for the game you want to release. If this is approved, up to two development machines will be provided free of charge, as well as access to developer documentation and forums, and use of the SDK.
Once the game is complete, it’s time for certification testing in preparation for distribution. If it passes, distribution on the Microsoft Store will begin. A Japanese team including Mr. Murayama supported the entire procedure. There will be no additional costs for applying patches after distribution.
Compatible with 3 platforms with one development and distributed globally
Mr. Murayama points out the strengths of ID@Xbox: “Since we use a globally common process, we can distribute to all countries around the world with a single approval,” and “With one development, we can deliver to multiple devices such as Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.” “It must be compatible with the platform.”
Additionally, the strength of distributing on Game Pass is that “By adding it to a limited lineup of titles, it becomes more visible to users,” and “Although we cannot guarantee that all titles will be available, we will be releasing them through Xbox’s official community channels.” This is because it provides an opportunity to be announced worldwide through websites such as blogs, blogs, etc.
ID@Xbox holds the “ID@Xbox Demo Fest” every summer, where you can play demo versions of many titles, including indie games, and this can also be considered as an opportunity to make announcements.
The Microsoft Store offers a number of indie games that are highly rated by users, including GibierGames’ DEEEER Simulator, a game whose main character is an ordinary deer, and Pocketpair’s open-world craft survival action game Craftopia.
If you apply to ID@Xbox, you will receive detailed explanations about the benefits and business model of distributing games through the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass, as mentioned in this session. Mr. Murayama concluded the session by reminding everyone, “Please feel free to register with ID@Xbox.”
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