Indie Devs get Free X1 Kits

Today Indie devs can apply and register for the program. With it, they receive two free Xbox One Dev kits.

[drsfinest72]

Wonder if this could be abused in any way.. hmm

[HolyDuck]

This could really work in microsofts favour, not really sure what Sonys stance on dev kits is.

But all in all, I hope both Sony & MS do free dev kits, would really kick start the next generation of indie games.

[PeaSFor]

@Prototype_79L

and they also got inspired by sony and the Play Tv thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

what next? MS will also include a bluray player? ...oh wait.

[JhawkFootball06]

My eyes must deceive me as I thought the title said Microsoft. Yet all I see in the comments are Sony promoters.

Back on topic, this is really great for all indie developers.

[gaffyh]

@Jhawk - It doesn't say Microsoft in the title. So your eyes do deceive you...

[tw0qwk]

wtf is play tv??

i thought playstation was just about games... oh wait.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Sony has a program similar but the Indie developers have to return it after one year of use.

[HammadTheBeast]

Sony also gives free dev kits.

[rainslacker]

Appears it's only applicable to established devs who've shipped a game, or have the proper credentials. Not really for the start up basement indie teams.

Pretty good move on MS part to entice indie devs to get started on the system.

@below

It's a good start. Depending on the team even a reasonably priced dev kit can cost a lot depending on how they create games.

Probably if you have decent financing you could get one of these if you can provide evidence of being able to deliver. I'll have to look into it myself :)

[HolyDuck]

Ah well, it does state "Too begin with" which could mean weeks, months... whatever. I can imagine you'll have to submit a prototype to get established if you are one of the basement indie teams, just to show you're serious about publishing.

[sobotz]

Only qualified developers can publish their games on the console, it's like MS itself are gonna be the one who filtering all of 'em

[Kingthrash360]

I thought sony kits were free too.....I dunno though....good news for devs in that regard......now time to talk about revenue splits.....

[sobotz]

Sony dev kits are 1-year trial for only "selected" developer. After the trial expired, devs must pay $2500 for a dev kit.

[Kingthrash360]

holy wallet breakers batman!!!!!

I mean yeah...thats expensive.

[B-radical]

I hope thats a joke 2500? is that access to other features to?

[nukeitall]

That is why when XNA was released half a decade ago and allowed you to create games directly on your Xbox 360 was such a big deal.

These dev kits are way overpriced, and used as a means to keep real garage indie devs from developing on your platform. In some cases, the console manufacturer will deny you a dev kit even if you pay for it. That is how the maintain control.

Sony has consistently overcharged you for dev kits since the first Playstation and extends to their handhelds.

That is why Sony selectively support indie devs and it is usually major indie developers. When was the last time you saw a one man operation developer on Sony platform?

Jonhatan Blow and the like has the numbers of employees that rivals a mid-size dev house of a decade ago.

Sony had been screaming indies, and gotten a few disgruntled former Xbox Indie devs to do their bidding, but where is the rest?

The real indie devs!

MS has plenty of one and two man teams on Xbox 360, such as Dishwasher developer.

MS bucked the trend with XNA and allowed true indie developers on consoles, and reserved for XBLA for the really good titles that likely would have received a publishing contract.

Now with Xbox One, opened the door completely wide open!

@B-radical:

That is actually cheap. It used to be upwards of $10k and you don't own the hardware. It is a license to use said hardware and tools. This applies to all three console manufacturers.

The difference is, on Sony and Nintendo platform, you had to have the dev kit to even start developing so you where at their mercy. On MS, you can start with XNA and move over once you get a contract and funding or stay on Xbox Live Indie Game Channel.

[HolyDuck]

Especially for an Indie Dev, maybe Sony will change their mind to "compete".

I mean, the sheer amount of moola they're going to make off pre orders should at least cover giving dev kits to a few hundred indie devs.

Plus, 1-Year renting seems a little slim on time, especially if it's an ambitious indie game.

[theWB27]

They aren't making a profit off of each console preorder...so that's not going to cover it at all.

[urwifeminder]

Good stuff MS very encouraging news for indies out there.

[NateCole]

Wait. I read somewhere that every xbox one can be use as a dev kit?. So this is wrong?

[green]

Thats correct but it was stated that that feature won't be available at launch but will role out over time. Read the article.

[TheKingWilliamV]

Xbox One will rise from the ashes everything they are doing for Gamescon is just awesome. Dedicated servers for COD Ghost, Ryse Son of Rome looks damn amazing and Fifa 14 comes with Xbox One in europe YAHOOOOOOOOO

[Jaqen_Hghar]

*sigh* how many times must a man point out that PS3 is already doing dedicated servers for many games and the Xbox community acted like they were terrible till Xbox announced them? Also Fifa+Xbox still costs more than PS4+Fifa even when Fifa is free on Xbox

[green]

Does Sony supply dedicated servers to 3rd party studios?

[gamertk421]

A man does not like how Xbox One is turning things around, lol.

[DonFreezer]

Every Xbox One can be used as a dev kit.

Free Xbox One Kits for devs.

Free FIFA 14 the biggest game in Europe. (Whether or not American ps trolls don't want to admit it)

Fable legends looks promising.

Ryse: Son Of Rome looks like a nightmare for the Sony fans who cried about it's quick time heavy showing at E3 and witnessed a AAA system seller at Gamescom.

Free Project Sparks at launch.

Simple as that people who have the money will make a wise choise.

Xbox One Day One (not for me since I have quit gaming)

[noctis_lumia]

try harder

no matter what ms do they will never conquer europe even with fifa

trust me ryse is nothing but a god of war QTE edition
waiting gow 4 buddy

project spark nothing to be amazed...trying to copy LPB?

ps4 is still the number one pre order worldwide

nuff said.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

Fifa+Xbox still costs more than Fifa+PS4 a man isn't going to insult Europeans by assuming they can't do math like you.

[noctis_lumia]

lol cant believe how MS copy every single move sony do with ps4...beyond pathetic really

[Alvidta]

I wonder if you always talk out your ass and not with your brain first.

[Neixus]

It's a nice thing from microsoft,indeed. But in sony's defence about the 2500$ dev kit ( i don't know if it's true or not) indie devs should allways start from the bottom (pc) as the development for indie dev games on pc is almost free.

Totally depends on the team,though. If you're two friends who just makes the game completely by themselves, it costs them no money, and they can try to get their game greenlit on steam.
so 2500$ should be made up again fairly easy if there are skilled indie devs. Fresh devs should never start on the newest consoles.

[theWB27]

Which would be cheaper to buy? A PC and the tools, or a free, ready, X1 kit?

[Neixus]

so,you're basicly thinking that they will just give away free xbox one dev kits on the street?
You missed the part where they said ''indie devs get free...''

You need to be considered as an indie dev, best way is to start on pc, or make an phone app/game with micro transactions. See Angry birds for example, made solely by a 14 year old boy and earned him millions.

I'm in no way a pc fanboy, but it's just fact. You can't start on consoles, period.

[theWB27]

No..not anyone on the street. They didn't say Indie devs...this is their direct statement..

“We want to be inclusive rather than exclusionary,” Charla says. To start, Microsoft is bringing in a smaller number of developers for approval, with more joining the fold as every Xbox One becomes development capable. “The program is open to developers of all scales,” says Charla, whether it’s one guy in his basement coding the next miniature masterpiece, or a AAA studio. The latter seems to defy the concept and title of this idea, but like Charla says: This isn’t meant to cut anyone out. It’s meant to bring more great games to Xbox One as possible.

You missed the part where they talked about what they're doing. Luckily I was able to inform you. That was close...

EDIT- No prob..only here to help : )

[Neixus]

thanks for clarifying,appreciate it man =D

[Vip3r]

If I were an indie developer, I'd chose Steam and the PS4 over the X1.

Much wider and varied audience.

[YodaCracker]

Why not all three?

[Vip3r]

X1 is like a PC but less powerful and has less advantages.

[JBSleek]

You aren't smart if you don't develop for MS and you are an indie with no help from others.

Also how can you say that PS fans are more varied???

[Unlimax]

What are you guys expecting .. they have Bill gates lol ~

[Xsilver]

http://fivepoints.thecomics...
lol i just felt like putting that don't judge.

[cyclindk]

Save it... for when Microsoft RE-reverses its policies AFTER they sell ten million consoles.

[Xsilver]

nope i will use this one http://www.troll.me/images/...

[BallsEye]

Waait no fanboys to say indie hates MS?

[OC_MurphysLaw]

smart move on MS's part... they took a beating on indies but came back with an aggressive plan that absolutely gets them back in the game on the indie front.