Microsoft Opens the Xbox Playing Field

Microsoft announced at the Australian Game Developer Conference on Nov. 5 that it would be giving independent and small developers a shot at creating games for its Xbox. It will be producing the Xbox Independent Developer Program and the Xbox Incubator Program, both of which will enable game designers to create prototypes of Xbox games.

Game developers can participate in the Xbox Independent Developer Program by applying to receive the Xbox Prototype Kit (XPK). Available free of charge, the XPK offers software and detailed information designed to help creative individuals and game development companies create prototype Xbox games using familiar programming tools on standard PCs. Developers can use these prototypes to secure distribution deals with licensed Xbox publishers.

The Xbox Incubator Program is available to video game developers who want to commit resources to developing a Xbox game using an official Xbox Development Kit (XDK) before securing relationships with major publishers. Only games created with the XDK and distributed by licensed publishers will be available as commercial products.

To participate in the Xbox Incubator Program, independent developers must submit complete written descriptions of their game concepts for evaluation by Microsoft's Xbox team. If invited to join the program, developers must license an XDK that contains the hardware, software and tools necessary to build Xbox games. As official XDK licensees, these developers also will have full access to Microsoft's technical support programs. Developers will take part in the Xbox Incubator Program for six months, during which time they should be able to create a prototype of their game concept and secure publishing and distribution deals with licensed Xbox game publishers. Interested parties can get more information by writing to xbox@xbox.com

Xbox Independent Developer Program
Microsoft

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