Microsoft removes dev update restrictions on Xbox One

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Ted Price backs prior reports of policy changes for next-gen developers

Microsoft has introduced revised policies for Xbox One that impose fewer restrictions on developers creating software for the platform.


Ted Price, head of Resistance developer Insomniac Games, has told Game Informer that the new policies will allow developers the freedom to update more regularly than was possible on Xbox 360.

"On this generation, it's difficult to have a connection to players where we are getting information including likes and dislikes or actions and then respond quickly," Price said. "The hardware and the publishing policies prevent that kind of response when it comes to consoles."

"We are seeing a lot of the barriers, mechanical and in terms of policy between developers and players, are coming down," he went on. "This gives us a chance to make more regular changes and updates to the game based on what players are telling us and what we are observing them do. We'll have an opportunity to create a much more living world."

This backs prior unconfirmed reports that Microsoft had lifted its policy of charging developers a sizeable sum for releasing game patches across Xbox Live.

Until now Microsoft has charged games studios a fee to enrol their games in a certification process that tests for bugs and approves code for release. It is claimed that many developers are offered one title update free of charge, but subsequent re-certification (in the event of a patch or bug fix) comes with a charge of tens of thousands of dollars.

Double Fine studio manager Tim Schafer has previously claimed the cost to patch Xbox Live games is $40,000 - a prohibitive sum for smaller indie outfits.

The removal of such charges and other related restrictions is most significant to small indie developers who lack the resources to test games as thoroughly as the larger publishers.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/417793/microsoft-removes-dev-update-restrictions-on-xbox-one-claims-insomniac-boss/

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"Microsoft removes dev update restrictions on Xbox One" :: Login/Create an Account :: 99 comments

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OasisPosted:

So as long as the devs want to update it freely they can. Good, long time coming. Except these days I see more and more casual games for casual gamers, the kind of investment a publisher won't spend years tweaking.

So better games first then keep them updated, then lifting the charge makes sense.

-LivePosted:

I just wanted to state, this only states that it will be easier to push out updates. This does not mean that indies have an easier chance of getting on the Xbox One, they will still need to go though a major publisher.

SorceryPosted:

Music-Matt Hopefully this persuades Dean Hall to publish DayZ Console Edition on the Xbox One and PS4, instead of just the PS4. The constrictions put on publishers was what made Dean lean more to Sony. Now with those constrictions gone, maybe he can publish for both consoles.


There really is no need, games like that should stay with it's origin, as it's designed for.

XenoChristPosted:

That is insane, 40,000 dollars for a patch.

YinPosted:

Very nice. It's pretty insane that it used to cost $40,000 to update a game. I understand they want the studios to "finish" their games, but not everything can be perfect in the end. It's great they dropped that.

Music-MattPosted:

Hopefully this persuades Dean Hall to publish DayZ Console Edition on the Xbox One and PS4, instead of just the PS4. The constrictions put on publishers was what made Dean lean more to Sony. Now with those constrictions gone, maybe he can publish for both consoles.

KatsumiPosted:

Sorcery
Zer0
Sorcery
One-X still getting the xbox one so idc lol


Did you not even read the post? They're REMOVING restrictions...


did not read just wana post lol people these days


Yeah, it's even worse when people post around 10 times on the same post with things that are entirely unrelated. #FeelLikeImDoingThatRightNow


If people are going to go for the MVC badge i would at least think that they read the article and post a relevant comment..

KatsumiPosted:

This is great for both small and large developers. I hope to see constant updates for games on the Xbox One

Zer0Posted:

this brings a differnt look for me
should be blame microsoft for games having bug in it for a long time cuz they charge publishers to fix it OR blame the publishers for not wanting to put out cash to make there fans happy
Thinking out side the box TacoBell?

DLTPosted:

SwagDaddyYolo Oh wow, Microsoft is removing everything....


Now they just need to remove the fact that kinect is always needed so they can drop the price.


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