Look out, PS4: Xbox One will allow indie developers to self-publish games

Home / News / Look out, PS4: Xbox One will allow indie developers to self-publish games

Microsoft has announced that it’s backtracking on its requirement for developers to have publishing partners to create games for the Xbox One.

That means that indie developers can self-publish games for the Xbox One far more easily – the standard console can be used as a development kit without the need for any extra hardware, while a new 14-day certification process similar to Apple’s app store will be implemented.

This is the second time Microsoft has reversed big decisions for the Xbox One, and it’s an action that massively levels the field against the Sony PS4 – which was praised at E3 for being the more open of the two consoles for indie developers. Over the past few years, indie titles have been the boundary-pushers, bringing much-needed respite from the usual parade of FPS sequels and football reboots.

Bring on the console wars we say. We’re ready – check out our Xbox One vs PS4 guide to see which console you’ll be backing later this year, and have a browse through the Xbox One and PS4 titles to see which one is worthy of your cash.

[Game Informer via TechRadar]

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Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.