Xbox Invests in Underrepresented Developers to Expand Gaming Industry Reach
Microsoft Xbox MSFT has launched the ID@Xbox Developer Accelerator Program to help underrepresented creators succeed on the platform.
In an interview with GamesIndustryBiz.com, James Lewis, head of senior creative partner programs at Xbox, explained that the program was set up to help developers from underprivileged backgrounds. represented to bring their games to Xbox without sacrificing time. and money.
See also: The Sims 4 takes a step towards inclusiveness with new patch update: New customization options for players< /em>
"I strongly believe that we cannot reach the billions of gamers we hope to reach without empowering more developers who have access to other communities," Lewis said.
"There are people who don't consider themselves gamers because they haven't seen some of the games that come from these communities," he added. “It's better for our industry when we can grow and welcome new voices that can reach more audiences.”
Developers the program is designed to support include those from Black, Indigenous, Latino, or LGBTQIA+ communities, women, developers with disabilities, developers from emerging markets, or teams with unique perspectives .
Furthermore, it should be noted that Microsoft has no intention of recouping funding or locking the developers into an exclusivity agreement.
Since its launch in 2019 (under a different name), the program has promoted more than 100 games. "We already have 100 titles, and I'm looking forward to the next 100," Lewis told GamesIndustryBiz.com.
The program also includes webinars offering guidance on best practices around game launch, game lifecycles, marketing, building a business page and a pilot program that offers some developers funding to help them produce a game prototype.
"We recognize that historically many of the teams we seek to support have not had access to the resources necessary to bring their ideas to fruition. We are intentional in giving them access to amounts of non-recoverable funding for them to build a prototype, and then they can clearly and accurately articulate the vision they have for their game," Lewis said.
Read next: Truly inclusive blockchain gaming means lowering the barrier of entry for developers
Image: Desola Lanre-Ologun via Unsplash
© 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Microsoft Xbox MSFT has launched the ID@Xbox Developer Accelerator Program to help underrepresented creators succeed on the platform.
In an interview with GamesIndustryBiz.com, James Lewis, head of senior creative partner programs at Xbox, explained that the program was set up to help developers from underprivileged backgrounds. represented to bring their games to Xbox without sacrificing time. and money.
See also: The Sims 4 takes a step towards inclusiveness with new patch update: New customization options for players< /em>
"I strongly believe that we cannot reach the billions of gamers we hope to reach without empowering more developers who have access to other communities," Lewis said.
"There are people who don't consider themselves gamers because they haven't seen some of the games that come from these communities," he added. “It's better for our industry when we can grow and welcome new voices that can reach more audiences.”
Developers the program is designed to support include those from Black, Indigenous, Latino, or LGBTQIA+ communities, women, developers with disabilities, developers from emerging markets, or teams with unique perspectives .
Furthermore, it should be noted that Microsoft has no intention of recouping funding or locking the developers into an exclusivity agreement.
Since its launch in 2019 (under a different name), the program has promoted more than 100 games. "We already have 100 titles, and I'm looking forward to the next 100," Lewis told GamesIndustryBiz.com.
The program also includes webinars offering guidance on best practices around game launch, game lifecycles, marketing, building a business page and a pilot program that offers some developers funding to help them produce a game prototype.
"We recognize that historically many of the teams we seek to support have not had access to the resources necessary to bring their ideas to fruition. We are intentional in giving them access to amounts of non-recoverable funding for them to build a prototype, and then they can clearly and accurately articulate the vision they have for their game," Lewis said.
Read next: Truly inclusive blockchain gaming means lowering the barrier of entry for developers
Image: Desola Lanre-Ologun via Unsplash
© 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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