Oddworld dev criticises Xbox One self-publishing policy

Oddworld developer Lorne Lanning has criticised the console manufacturer’s move to block self-publishing on the Xbox One.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Oddworld Inhabitants head Lanning said although Microsoft had granted a licence for its latest game New’n’ Tasty, the developer couldn’t actually release its game on the Xbox One because it doesn’t have a publisher.

He went on to question why Microsoft felt it necessary to the studio to have a publisher, given the company was able to be self-funded and develop its own IP.

Lanning added that in contrast, Sony, which allows self-publishing over its PlayStation Network, understood that many of the “real innovations” were going to come out of the indie space.

"For Xbox One they’ve granted us a license for New ‘n’ Tasty! but they still say you need a publisher,” he said.

“We don’t have a publisher so we’re not officially on the platform, even though we’re compatible, even though we’ll be ready to do it. Period. Why do we need a publisher when we self-finance our games, we build our own IP, we manage our own IP and we’ve turned nearly two million units online as indie publishers sold – not free downloads? Why? What’s wrong with us?

"It’s a different level of perspective. Is it ridiculous? I guess it depends on what seat you’re sitting in. But I think right now Wall Street is seeing something else that’s ridiculous and we’re seeing it reflected in public companies’ stock values.

"Who’s in touch with their audience? And who seems out of touch with their audience? All we know is we’ve tried to get our games on their platform and we can’t do it – and I even helped them release the box."