Microsoft made public that it intends to close the Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLIG) program and is therefore stopping from taking new subscriptions or membership renewals.
Developers who had access to the program were able to produce and promote their indie games on Xbox 360. According to the company, the reason for the termination is that there are over 1,000 people working around the clock on the next generation of games, both on Xbox One and Windows 10.
The company offers support until Sept. 9, 2016, when the indie game store will be permanently shut down. In preparation for that moment, content producers owning a valid subscription are to receive a lifetime Windows Developer account, for no charge. Following the 2016 shutdown, Windows promises to give revenue to all developers who worked in the program.
"Of course, players will still be able to re-download games they own and continue to play games they own," the American software pioneer stated in response to questions regarding the current library of indie games.
"'Diversity' doesn't even begin to describe the incredible variety of games that creators made on XBLIG," said Chris Charla, head of the ID@Xbox program.
The launch of the Xbox One without the indie capability heralded the tech world that XBLIG is nearing its end. For those who want to keep the flame of indie game development burning, Microsoft offers ID@Xbox. The new program gives any and all game creators the possibility to sign up and develop games with engines that are free to use.
"Creators have more platforms they can ship on today than ever before, and more and better tools to help them every day—and our priority is ensuring that we give independent developers the support they need to take the next step with us towards the future of gaming," Charla added.
In an attempt to appease the fans, Microsoft presented an early access program during E3 2015. Xbox Game Preview works a bit like the Steam Early Access, and permits Xbox One clients to play a trial before signing for the full purchase of the game.
Microsoft promises users that a lot of engaging games will enter the program, with titles such as Shelter and DayZ being among them. Elite: Dangerous is just the first, and expects a complete Xbox One release on Oct. 6.
