Microsoft: outside developers welcome to make money
From International Herald Tribune
Earlier this year Microsoft already announced that games developed by amateurs and hobbyists will be made available for download on Xbox 360’s online service. It was not clear whether, and how, developers would be able to make some money on the fruits of their labor.
Microsoft said yesterday it will let developers who are members of the XNA Creators Club (US$99 membership fee per year) submit their games for peer review. A submitted game that passes can be sold by the developer on the Xbox Live Marketplace, according to Microsoft developers can pick a price tag between 200 and 800 “Microsoft points”. Up to 70% of the generated revenue will go to the developer.
Chris Satchell, chief technology officer of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment business group said: “You’ll be able to sell the games and take part in the multibillion-dollar business that is game development.” He expects over time thousands of new games made by outside developers, covering a wide range of genres and audience appeal: “We want to get everybody involved in gaming. It’s a great way to spend your leisure time.”
