Indie developers prefer almost anything over Xbox, according to recent survey

3 min. read

Published on May 16, 2018

published on May 16, 2018

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Despite Microsoft launching its ID@XBOX program back in 2014, the company’s Xbox One console is apparently the least preferred platform among indie developers, according to a new survey from GamesIndustry.biz. 47.5% of the 61 developers surveyed at EGX Rezzed this year told the publication that if they could only release their game on a single platform, they would do so on PC. Surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch came second with 32.8%, ahead of the PS4 (11.5%), Mobile (6.6%) and Xbox One (1.6%).

Considering that both the PS4 and the Xbox One have more power and a bigger install base than the one-year old Nintendo Switch, it’s quite interesting to see the portable console being more attractive for this panel of indie developers. Several developers highlighted the Switch broad appeal and “innovative features,” while also pointing out some problems with Microsoft and Sony’s platforms:

Although Sony doubled-down on indie games with the PlayStation 4, developers aren’t enamoured with the platform. That said, many were quick mention the support offered by Sony to indie developers, and expressed an appreciation for the curated store.

Regarding the Xbox, one developer said it was a hard choice between Microsoft’s platform and the Switch, but that Xbox is “easier to deal with”. This sentiment was echoed by other developers on the show floor who wanted to release on Switch, but opted for other platforms.

Over the years, Microsoft’s ID@Xbox did well to bring great indie games on the platform such as Inside, The Witness, Stardew Valley, Rogue Legacy, or more recently Conan Exiles, and the program celebrated 500 titles released on Xbox One and Windows 10 last year. The fact that indie developers can also use the Xbox Game Preview program to provide early access to their games is also very positive, especially since this is something both Sony and Nintendo don’t currently offer on their respective platforms.

In addition to its ID@Xbox program, Microsoft also launched the Xbox Creators Program last year to make it easier for indie devs to publish their games to Xbox One and Windows 10 without the need for concept approval. Unfortunately, none of the games released through this new program really resonated with gamers so far, and it’s clear that ID@Xbox games still get significantly more exposure. As a reminder, the ID@Xbox Game Fest is still onging and you might want to check out the latest discounts on Cuphead, Cities: Skylines, Ark: Survival Evolved and more.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.