The Indie Scene on Xbox: A Lasting Presence

The Paris Games Week convention, dubbed "Next Level," kicked off on November 1, with attendees flocking to their preferred platform holders' stands. Xbox enthusiasts were treated to a unique experience, with Microsoft's gaming division showcasing not only Starfield and Forza Motorsport but also titles like Don't Nod's Jusant, a minimalist climbing game that benefited from the ID@Xbox initiative. Despite a year marked by Xbox's focus on completing the Activision-Blizzard acquisition, the company continued to support independent developers through its Game Pass subscription and showcases. According to ID@Xbox director Guy Richards, the program, which began a decade ago and was expanded earlier this year, will persist in aiding creators in need of self-publishing assistance. "We must stress that independent creators have never been more vital to Xbox, and they will continue to be," Richards emphasizes. "Our team working with indie creators has never been larger, and we've never invested in more indie games, whether through ID@Xbox or the Developer Acceleration program, designed to support underrepresented groups." Richards highlights the program's success, citing the support of over 100 creators and the payment of over $4 billion in royalties to developers. While some game developers may view the Game Pass subscription as a hindrance, Richards underscores the benefits it provides, including increased visibility and customized approaches for each title. Publishers who attended the Paris Games Week and Game Connection Europe convention praised the program, noting its ability to alleviate the challenges faced by smaller companies. "As smaller publishers, it's interesting to see programs for indie games from first-party studios," says Maximilien Breton, producer and brand manager for Just for Games. "We lack funding and means of communication, so seeing initiatives like ID@Xbox is always beneficial." The program's impact is also recognized by other industry actors, who see it as a means to develop more partnerships and provide opportunities for small developers. However, publishers also highlight the risks associated with the current market, including the high loan interest rates and the decrease in global long-term revenue. While the ID@Xbox program may support independent developers, self-publishing remains a challenging path for many creators. Emilio Molina Cazorla, chief technical officer for BlitWorks, acknowledges that "self-publishing is a hard place to end up in," preferring to explore more traditional publishing methods. The industry's support for independent games and creators is expected to persist, with all three major platform holders showcasing indie titles this year. However, the challenges faced by the indie scene, including financial constraints and the oversaturation of the market, will continue to pose risks for developers and publishers alike.