Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program is definitely a step in the right direction to help independent developers get their games on the Xbox One, but the company’s new idea is still in need of some refinement.
Under the current ID@Xbox setup, Microsoft wants day one parity with other platforms, meaning that games released through the program will carry the same launch date as its competitors. The company has gone on record to say that it’ll work with developers who’ve already committed to timed exclusivity with other platforms, but this might not be enough.
This stringent requirement won’t likely settle too well with every developer and has already caused some studios to avoid the Xbox One altogether. As it stands, Witch Beam will not be bringing Assault Android Cactus to Xbox One, because the developer can’t meet the program’s parity requirement.
Keeping in mind that ID@Xbox is fairly new, perhaps Microsoft will consider loosening the reins on its new program or prepare to have the Xbox One miss out on countless games.
