The conversation surrounding Microsoft’s placement in the console space is no secret – it’s behind both Sony & Nintendo. And although the firm still continues to push forward in this uphill battle, it has proven to be the most-rewarding domain for independent developers. Previously, it was reported that the firm is giving She Dreams Elsewhere team Studio Zevere a full ride in anticipation for the game’s launch on Xbox Game Pass.
In terms of the program it fosters – ID@Xbox – Microsoft has seen a massive wave in success on behalf of the initiative. In 2020, it was recorded that more than $1 billion is gross revenue was generated in behalf of the program. Additionally, 2023 marked the 10-year anniversary for ID@Xbox supporting more 3,000 titles since its inception.
To further platform independent developers, Microsoft announced a new ‘Indie Selects’ program which continues the tradition to offer backing to smaller game studios through the Xbox Store.
Indie Selects includes a curated, dedicated collection in the Xbox Store featuring indie games chosen by the ID@Xbox team – along with support on our social and community channels, and even right here on the Xbox Wire. In the Games section of the Xbox dash, we now have a permanent hub that showcases indie games we are passionate about. A new collection, featuring various channels and rotating themes, will go live every Wednesday.
The first channel, which we’re calling simply “Featured Indies,” includes recent indie games that the ID@Xbox team recommends. These are games we’ve played and liked, and we feel positive indie game fans will enjoy too. Note that we’re not including titles that are in Game Pass here even if they’re fantastic, simply because they’re featured regularly in the Game Pass hub.
Our second channel features a rotating selection of games that fit with a weekly theme. Looking for “Games to Play With Your Cat,” or “Games that Need a Laugh Track,” or “Games for Evil Villains”? You’ll find them here. We’re working on a bunch of different, fun ideas for themes right now to roll out over the coming months, and we’ll always take suggestions for new themes (or games to include in existing themes) from players through our social channels.
Glenn Gregory, ID@Xbox Marketing Manager
“Other channels will include themes to highlight games from around the world, games from new creators and voices, our ID@Xbox theme sales, and select games available for pre-order. Finally, we now have a channel to feature upcoming indie games that can be added to a gamer’s wishlist – one of our indie devs’ most highly requested features.
“And now the best part: once a month – the last week of the month – we will showcase our choices for six titles to be designated our ID@Xbox “Indie Selects” of the month. The whole ID@Xbox team will vote to select their favorites and these are the six games that we feel confident you’ll love. These are games that we want to put our stamp of approval on.
“Not only will the Indie Selects be featured in a special collection for that week, we’ll also release a monthly highlight reel on our social channels, and publish an Xbox Wire article to dig more deeply into which games were selected, and why we like them. In addition, the developers will receive a digital award featuring the Indie Selects logo that they can show off on their own channels.”
Are you excited for the new Indie Selects program?
Source: Xbox Wire
