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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LeapPosted:

WW3 Microsoft Are Money Hungry.


They have always been money hungry lol

AutopilotPosted:

Microsoft Are Money Hungry.

AustraliansPosted:

xSTaTiCBLuEx Hope it doesn't encourage lazy production, release games unfinished and then attempt to patch it later on, which is what game devs are already doing even with a $40k price tag an update :/


I doubt game developers will do that, it's not in there nature.

xSTaTiCBLuExPosted:

Hope it doesn't encourage lazy production, release games unfinished and then attempt to patch it later on, which is what game devs are already doing even with a $40k price tag an update :/

OrigamoPosted:

This is quite good news.

AustraliansPosted:

GibbityTree Wow they are really doing everything in their power to compete with PS4 now eh?


Classic survival, Xbox don't want to lose in a battle against there main opponent.

KatsumiPosted:

Legend2Rule That is insane, 40,000 dollars for a patch.


It's way too much for small indie developers.

MPAAPosted:

Anyone remember the N64 days? there were NO game updates back then, game devs HAD to test and re-test their games because once they got released, that was it.

This is kinda backwards what they're doing because of this reason, big companies should still have to pay the update fee to discourage this "release rushed game now, update it later" attitude.

Indie's should have always had it free to update for obvious reasons :P

GibbityTreePosted:

Wow they are really doing everything in their power to compete with PS4 now eh?

SorceryPosted:

-Live 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.


But in effect it may make them more willing to try, because many games heavily rely on updates.


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