We've made no secret that one of our biggest concerns about this upcoming console transition is how platform makers will handle distribution for smaller game developers.
Game machines are nothing without software support, and in an age where a lot of indies are making more on Steam than they are with the same games on consoles, a platform holder's strict guidelines and expensive certification processes are starting to feel a little antiquated.
Ahead of tonight's imminent announcement of Sony's next home console, we took to Twitter to ask you, our audience of game developers, what you want from the next round of home consoles.
And if the volume of responses requesting that Sony let indies into its walled garden are any indication, you share our concerns.
But don't just take our word for it, here are a few select tweets from the community.
@gamasutra Easier and less terrible points of entry for smaller indie developers.
I don't mind standards, but getting relegated to a second tier store would be my big concern. At least on Steam, indie games that do make it get fair / equal exposure
I would recommend starting devs (including indie) on TRC requirements right from the start.
TCRs, TRCs and Lotcheck are things that tend to hit developers right in the face when they don't know about them. Even for seasoned developers there doesn't seem to be much indication to how important these are to getting your games on the system.
In my experience, designing and developing a game with these in mind saves a lot of time and effort. Also, it adds polish to games early in development.
How has the Sony development experience been in comparison to Microsofts? I've been told Sony treats indies better, but no one can really elaborate on how or why....
TCRs, TRCs and Lotcheck are things that tend to hit developers right in the face when they don't know about them. Even for seasoned developers there doesn't seem to be much indication to how important these are to getting your games on the system.
In my experience, designing and developing a game with these in mind saves a lot of time and effort. Also, it adds polish to games early in development.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-02-15-playstation-4-mus t-demolish-the
-walled-garden
Many indies developers have just shared their own experiences about working with Sony.
Thank you linking me this, I agree with this author 100000%, although it doesn't really address the sony-microsoft comparison.