Ouch! Game Informer really let this cat out of the bag early…
Microsoft were ready to drop this bomb at Gamescom but it appears the press have beat them to it. Xbox One will allow for self-publishing and create a system similar to Apple’s iTunes. In fact, according to Kotaku, Microsoft make it seem as if games can be developed on Xbox One and the system can be treated as its own dev kit. Wow!
The catch? It won’t be available at launch.
Here are Game Informer’s findings…
Additionally, we have learned that Microsoft is drastically overhauling its certification process. The company will use a model similar to iTunes and is targeting a 14-day turnaround for an approvals. Instead of extensive code checking, the company will be looking for terms of service violations and significant bugs.In light of the leak, Microsoft issued the following statement…
On top of that, it sounds like it will be much easier for Microsoft to offer preview/early-access code via the console and without the need for a Debug unit.
We’ve also been told, but cannot confirm, that every Xbox One unit can be converted to a debug console. Instead of specific hardware units, Microsoft can authorize a console ID to play pre-release code. This is in line with information we’ve received about a new process for beta tests. They will be run via hardware provisioning on Xbox One, with the process reportedly to be enabled for up to 25,000 users per test at launch. Given the ability to provision for beta testing, the ability to enable retail hardware for pre-release code seems feasible.
Microsoft have since confirmed the report but instead of revealing everything, have told us all to wait until Gamescom in just a few weeks time…
Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development. That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox LIVE. This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox LIVE. We’ll have more details on the program and the timeline at gamescom in August.
Check out the full report below..
(Source: Game Informer)