Microsoft once again explains the strengths of its ‘ID@Xbox’ independent game distribution program[IDC2023]| GameBusiness.jp

On December 17, 2023, the “Indie Developers Conference 2023” was held, targeting indie game developers. In this article we will report on the session titled “How do I release titles on Xbox? What about Game Pass?”

How attractive is the ID@Xbox self-publishing program for distributed games?

In this session, Mr. Isao Murayama from Microsoft Japan will be on stage. The appeal of ID@Xbox, a self-publishing program for distributed games for Xbox and Windows, and the indie game distribution stream, was introduced.

To distribute your game on the Microsoft Store, first use your @Xbox ID.registrationTo catch. Mr. Murayama emphasized ease of use by saying: “Just because you register doesn’t mean you have to give up any kind of ownership.”

Additionally, starting Summer 2023, an Xbox Game Pass registration request form will be added to the ID@Xbox registration form. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that lets you play nearly 400 games selected by Microsoft on consoles and PC, and about 300 titles through streaming. If you would also like to distribute on Xbox Game Pass, please apply here at the same time.

After completing the entry process and signing the NDA, submit a proposal for the game you would like to release. If this is also approvedIn addition to providing up to two free development machines, you can access developer documentation, forums, and use the SDK.it will be.

Once the game is complete, it’s time for certification testing in preparation for distribution. If it passes, distribution will begin on the Microsoft Store. A Japanese team including Mr. Murayama supported the entire procedure. There will be no additional costs to apply patches after distribution.

Compatible with 3 platforms with 1 development and distributed globally

Mr. Murayama said the strength of ID@Xbox is that it uses a process that is common around the worldDelivery to all countries of the world with only one approvalsomething”,”Single development for multiple platforms: Xbox SeriesX|S, Xbox One and PCwhat i do.”

Additionally, the strength of distribution on Game Pass is that “by adding it to a limited selection of titles, it becomes more visible to users,” and “while we cannot guarantee that all titles will be available, we will release it” to them through community channels. Official Xbox.” This is because it provides an opportunity to advertise worldwide through blogs, blogs, etc.

ID@Xbox holds “ID@Xbox Demo Fest” every summer, where you can play demos of various titles, including indie games, and can also be seen as an opportunity to make announcements.

The Microsoft Store offers a number of highly user-rated indie games, including DEEEER Simulator from GibierGames, a game whose main character is a common deer, and the open-world survival action game Craftopia from Pocketpair.

If you apply to ID@Xbox, you will receive a detailed explanation of the benefits and business model of distributing games through the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass, as described in this session. Mr. Murayama concluded the session by reminding everyone, “Feel free to sign up for ID@Xbox.”