Major deals like Xbox's huge push to acquire Activision Blizzard make regular headlines, of course, but Xbox is keen to expand its development portfolio in different ways as well.
Speaking to UK outlet The Guardian, Xbox's Sarah Bond spoke about Microsoft's attempts to find developers who aren't based in your typical "western European and east Asian" markets, insisting that there's lots of talent out there in different, lesser-known locations.
"The games industry is very western European and east Asian focused [...] We have focused on trying to get more global with it, because there’s more happening in places like India and Africa. We want to make sure we’re on the ground as we start to see more development there, as traditionally there hasn’t been much."
This doesn't necessarily mean that such teams would be 'acquired' by Xbox, but that option is always there if Microsoft deems such a move worthwhile. However, the ID@Xbox program has done a great job an unearthing some gems from small, unique teams - and we could definitely see this sort of push help Xbox's indie efforts in the future.
"What’s important is getting creators from geographies that are underserved [...] Console gaming is really concentrated in a set of markets: 200 million people play on a console today, but 3 billion people play games. As soon as someone gets access to high-speed connectivity, they play games. So what appeals to the next 1 billion gamers that are gonna come online?"
This sort of messaging goes hand-in-hand with Xbox's cloud gaming initiatives, which are largely focused on getting more people into playing Xbox games, including those in different locations where buying hardware might not be so easy. Getting new developers on board to match Xbox's expansion into new markets can only be a good thing, right?
What do you make of Sarah's comments? Are you happy to see new & unique devs bring their projects to Xbox? Let us know your thoughts.
[source theguardian.com]
Comments 14
What well known developers are there that are not in the usual European/American and Asian areas.
focus on making good games no matter where devs are from. shezzz.
See. I knew it. The plan is future. If ms is mobile and goes into Africa and India without the entire need for an Xbox.. snooze you lose anyone else holding onto your disc
In my country there is so many programmers but i dont know anyone here that have diploma or something to devolop games... I know that ubisoft had once a small team here helping on prince of persia, but i cant imagine poeple will spend their life choice of career based on a job market that isn't a part of our economie
Give some of that sweet MS money to Spiders and ACE Team.
They mentioned this before with the Id@xbox program and I think it’s awesome. Nothing wrong with some new fresh takes and cultures in the video games industry.
Of course they are - they are looking to help 'developers' everywhere make and bring their games to market - either with Publishing deals to get their games made and out or even just giving them support, advice and letting them 'self publish' through ID@Xbox. The whole concept of ID@Xbox is to give 'independent' (even individual game developers) a 'platform' to Publish their games, potential to 'reach' a high number of gamers and earn their own income from making and publishing their own games.
I believe they had many Developers signed up to ID@Xbox from all over the Globe - from Africa, Brazil etc places not 'known' for their 'Game developers'
Raji: An Ancient Epic was developed by Indian studio Nodding Heads Games. Anyone get the opportunity to play this back when it was on Game Pass?
Love seeing games and media inspired by other cultures and people with different backgrounds. Unfortunately right now many talented artists and developers are being used as work for hire in Western AAA projects. Would love to see more games with an influence from Indonesia, Malaysia, South America for example. Their lived experiences will flavour their creativity.
@Skedaddle No I didn't play it, heard good things though
@Skedaddle I played on PS and enjoyed it (assume it was the same on xbox/GP). Fun mechanics and interesting story telling. Not amazing, but I liked it. I played the standard game but I heard they had a huge update or dlc later that made it even better.
When I read the headline all I could think was Xbox Studios, Skull Island
I'm all for it but yeah I don't know most of the European AA publishers or studios let alone many of the Korean or Chinese ones.
If many Middle East or African or otherwise locations around the world make some interesting games I'm all for it for them to come up with some interesting titles, they get more highlights for something different and amazing. Yeah I'm interested to see what they come up with.
The Brazilian studio Epic bought made some great games. I think other studios also have some too we just don't hear about them as much or at all.
That would certainly explain part of the reason for such a lacking library.
Their spirit is great. But isn't there a lack of investment in Xbox in all regions except the US?
At least in Japan, Microsoft doesn't seem to be willing to do it.
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