ID@Xbox


ID@Xbox is a program by Microsoft allowing independent video game developers to self-publish titles for Windows and the Xbox One home video game console.

Overview

ID@Xbox was announced by Xbox Vice President Phil Harrison at Gamescom on August 20, 2013. General Manager, Marc Whitten was the sponsor of the project providing management and funding. Angela Hession was the Launch Architect of the program and developed the program based on input from Independent Developers. Chris Charla is director of the program.
Developers who are registered in the program get access to two development kits at no cost, as well as access to all required technical documentation. Additionally, there will be no fees to update any game submitted through the program. Games released through the program also have access to all Xbox One and Xbox Live components, including Kinect, Achievements and Xbox SmartGlass. Developers in the program also receive access to the Unity engine as well as an optional subscription to Unreal Engine 4.
At the 2017 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced it will launch the Xbox Live Creators program that, for a one-time fee, will allow anyone to develop for Xbox One and Windows 10 games using the Unified Windows Platform using any consumer Xbox One system and distribute directly through the Xbox Live storefront. Such applications will not have access to some Xbox Live features like achievements or multiplayer matchmaking, but will include support for leaderboards and party chat.

Reception

A number of indie game developers have praised the introduction of the ID@Xbox program. Developers involved in the program have been impressed by Microsoft's responsiveness and the support provided on any issues that arise. The appointment of Chris Charla as director of ID@Xbox was met with positive reception, due to his background and previous involvement in the video game industry.
However, the program has received criticism for enforcing a launch date parity policy which means that developers can only release their titles on Xbox One if they haven't been released on other consoles first. Many developer have called for the policy to be dropped; Microsoft has since dropped the parity clause.

Notable developers

The following developers have been mentioned as being a part of the ID@Xbox program.
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The following is a list of upcoming games releasing through ID@Xbox:
TitleDeveloperRelease dateGames with GoldRef.
#IDARB Other Ocean
1001 SpikesNicalis, Inc.
Another World – 20th Anniversary EditionThe Digital Lounge, Martial Hesse-Dreville, Eric Chahi
Bard's GoldPixel Lantern
Boom Ball for KinectVirtual Air Guitar Company Oy
CastleStorm - Definitive EditionZen StudiosMay 2015
ChariotFrima Studio
ContrastCompulsion Games
Divekick: Addition Edition +Iron Galaxy Studios, LLC
Energy CycleSometimes You
Fibbage: The Hilarious Bluffing Party GameJackbox Games, Inc.
FlockersTeam17
Funk of TitansA Crowd of Monsters
'Black Forest Games GmbH
Gimme Fiveshuboarder
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship EditionDrinkBox Studios
KickBeat Special EditionZen Studios
LimboPlaydead, Double ElevenXbox One Early Adopters
Lovers in a Dangerous SpacetimeAsteroid Base
Never Alone Upper One Games, E-Line Media
NutjitsuNinjaBee
OutlastRed Barrels
Pier Solar and the Great ArchitectsWaterMelon
Pinball FX 2Zen Studios
Pneuma: Breath of LifeDeco Digital & Bevel Studios
Pure PoolVooFoo Studios, Ripstone
R.B.I. Baseball 14MLB, MLB.com
Riptide GP2Vector Unit
Sixty Second Shooter PrimeHappion Laboratories
'Blue Isle Studios
Stick It To The ManZoink, Ripstone
Strike Suit Zero: Director's CutBorn Ready Games
Super Time ForceCapy
The EscapistsTeam17, Mouldy Toof Studios
The Golf ClubHB Studios
The Jackbox Party PackJackbox Games, Inc.
The Pinball ArcadeFarSight Studios
Thomas Was AloneMike Bithell, Curve Studios, Curve Digital
Threes!Sirvo, Hidden Variable Studios
Unmechanical: ExtendedGrip Games, Talawa Games, Teotl Studios, Grip Digital sro
Volgarr the VikingCrazy Viking Studios
WarframeDigital Extremes
Worms BattlegroundsTeam17
Zombie Driver Ultimate EditionEXOR Studios
SuperhotSuperhot TeamMay 3, 2016
InsidePlaydeadJune 29, 2016
Beyond EyesTeam17August 4, 2015
Massive ChaliceDouble Fine ProductionsJune 1, 2015June 1, 2015
SmiteHi-Rez StudiosAugust 19, 2015