Curve saddened by Xbox One indie stance

It’s sad to see a lack of dedicated support for indie developers on the Xbox One, says the MD of indie game publisher Curve Studios.

Following the unveiling of its next-gen console, Microsoft has said it will be abolishing the Xbox Live Arcade and indie game sections on Xbox Live in favour of a broad and all-inclusive digital marketplace.

The company’s Redmond Game Studios and Platforms GM Matt Booty has also said that, for the time being at least, there will be no self-publishing for indies on Xbox One.

In response to the news, Curve Studios’ MD Jason Perkins said it was sad to see Microsoft not taking a stronger stance on indies, giving the “trailblazing” success of XBLA.

He added the move would pave the way for Sony to clean up in the indie game sector on the PS4.

“XBLA was a trailblazer last generation, so it’s sad to see Microsoft not announcing dedicated support for independent developers on the Xbox One,” said Perkins.

“Refusing to concentrate on easier submissions and discoverability leaves the way clear for Sony to capture the most innovative market in gaming right now.”

As well as expressing its disappointment in Microsoft, Curve has also pledged to focus on PS4 development, as well as offering a range of publishing services for indies looking to release titles on PS4 and Vita “as an alternative to the lack of independent support currently announced from Microsoft and the Xbox One”.