Microsoft will simplify the certification and release of games on Xbox to attract more third-party developers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The company's management admitted that previous procedures significantly complicated cooperation with external studios. The impetus for the changes was a statement by CEO Asha Sharma, who called the existing working conditions extremely difficult for partners.
CTO Scott Van Vliet confirmed that Microsoft has listened to developer criticism and is beginning to reform programs like ID@Xbox. The company intends to simplify project verification and game publishing in the digital store.
The main goal is to reduce the time studios spend on internal procedures so they can focus on game development. The changes should especially help small and independent teams: technical requirements and weeks-long checks often forced them to abandon releasing games on Microsoft platforms.