Xbox Aims to Reach Billions of Gamers with Diverse Creators

Xbox frequently discusses its objective of reaching three billion gamers, and to achieve this, the company is investing heavily in streaming, subscriptions, and multiple console platforms. However, Xbox recognizes that it cannot reach this goal without the right games, including those that appeal to diverse nationalities, genders, ages, and communities. According to James Lewis, senior creative partner programs lead at Xbox, empowering underrepresented creators is crucial to reaching a broader audience. The ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program, launched in 2019, aims to support developers from underrepresented backgrounds in porting their games to Xbox. The program provides funding to help developers get their games on the Xbox store without sacrificing time and money. Microsoft does not expect to recoup the funding and does not require exclusivity agreements. The funding amount varies depending on the game's scope, complexity, and engine used. In addition to funding, the program offers educational resources, such as Xbox's Green Room webinars, which provide best practices for launching a game, marketing, and setting up a store page. A pilot program also offers funding for developers to produce game prototypes, helping them articulate their vision and demonstrate their capabilities to potential partners. The program is designed for new developers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latino, LGBTQIA+, women, and developers with disabilities. The program's goal is to create a space for underrepresented creators to reach out and ask questions, and to provide them with the resources and information needed to succeed on Xbox. Xbox is committed to making the application process easy and accessible. Developers can reach out directly to the program, and the team will guide them through the process, providing feedback on their projects. The program is not isolated from the wider Xbox teams, and it connects developers with the Xbox publishing and Game Pass teams to provide additional opportunities for success. By supporting underrepresented creators, Xbox aims to bring diverse and innovative games to its platform, ultimately helping the company achieve its goal of reaching three billion gamers. With 100 titles already supported through the program, Xbox is confident in its ability to empower underrepresented creators and looks forward to the next 100 titles.