ID@Xbox chief Chris Charla talks to us about Microsoft’s indie game dev program — “We don’t want bringing games to Xbox to be a lengthy, painful process.”

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ID@Xbox is more crucial than ever for Xbox’s future.

ID@Xbox is Microsoft’s program for bringing independent games to Xbox consoles and PC. It started by supporting small indie developers, but now also helps larger independent publishers release their games digitally.

Microsoft’s gaming platform is increasingly resembling Steam. With devices like the Xbox handheld and the new Xbox console being built more like PCs, and a growing focus on developing games for Windows, the biggest thing Microsoft still needs is the open approach that Steam offers.

We recently spoke with Chris Charla, who leads the ID@Xbox program, to learn more about Xbox’s plans for supporting independent game developers. This followed a successful Xbox Game Camp, which helps new developers create and promote their games.

Xbox Game Camp expands its horizons

The Xbox Game Camp program, led by ID@Xbox and Chris Charla, doesn’t get much attention despite being a great initiative. Microsoft fully funds these camps, bringing together game developers – from beginners to experienced creators – for collaborative game-making events. Microsoft also offers valuable support like mentorship, networking opportunities, and sometimes even provides ID@Xbox certification and development kits to help these developers grow.

According to Charla, the program lasts for 12 weeks and involves teams working on projects with guidance from Xbox mentors. These mentors meet with the teams weekly to discuss progress and offer advice, and participants even have the chance to interact with industry leaders like Ken Lobb. This access to professionals in areas like marketing, art, and coding is incredibly valuable. The main goal is to encourage the creation of new game development teams and demonstrate that, while challenging and demanding, game development *is* achievable.

We’ve hosted Game Camp in many places around the globe, not only across the U.S. but also internationally. We’ve held events in cities like Detroit and New Orleans, as well as in Africa, and recently finished one in Korea.

I recently asked Chris Charla for advice on how people hoping to become game developers can begin their journey, even if they don’t have opportunities like Xbox Game Camp or financial aid from universities. He pointed to YouTube as an excellent place to start learning.

If you’re serious about learning game development, consider getting YouTube Premium. There’s a wealth of helpful content available. I’d recommend dedicating an hour or two each day to watching tutorials on topics like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot. Building that foundational understanding of how games are made is crucial. You’ll encounter different approaches and opinions, and that’s okay! Don’t worry about finding the ‘right’ way – focus on discovering what works best for *you*. There isn’t a single correct path, it’s about finding your own.

The elephant in the room: Steam

I’ve begun interviewing game developers for a podcast, and I’m asking them about their experiences with the Xbox platform and where they see the industry heading. A recurring point in these conversations is that developers generally find it much simpler to work with Steam compared to traditional console publishers.

I asked Chris Charla what was causing developers to feel this way, and he admitted Microsoft still has work to do to address the issue.

I won’t discuss Steam specifically, but we’re definitely aware of the feedback being shared,” Charla explained. “Developers are open about what’s working well and where we can improve, and we really listen to that. Whether it’s public comments or private conversations, that feedback is shared with our teams and taken very seriously.

We’re doing a bunch of things to address those issues directly.”

Shortly after this conversation, Microsoft and Xbox released their official guidelines for publishing games on Xbox consoles and PC for the first time. These rules were kept confidential for many years, but making them public signals a move towards a more accessible system for developers. Developers have told me that tasks like setting up game demos or sales can be complicated on Xbox, and while Microsoft’s Charla didn’t share details, he confirmed that improvements are needed in this area.

We’re focused on simplifying and speeding up the process of getting games published on Xbox, whether it’s on console or PC. Our goal is to make it easy for developers, and avoid a long, difficult process.

Xbox Game Pass has also faced some criticism recently. Some independent game developers have told me they struggle to get noticed on Xbox without paying to be included in the Game Pass service, and a few believe Xbox has been investing less in indie games through Game Pass. However, according to Charla, that’s not true.

I don’t claim to be an expert on the financial side of Xbox Game Pass, but I can assure you we’re continuing to invest heavily in independent games and the ID@Xbox program.

The Xbox team is always excited to review games for Game Pass, including those submitted through the ID@Xbox program. While they can’t accept every game, they’re working to make the submission process as simple as possible for developers.

Microsoft’s “This is an Xbox” strategy needs indie devs more than ever

Microsoft faces a tricky situation. Unlike Steam, which already has a huge library of games and developer backing, Microsoft is building its game selection from the ground up. While Microsoft excels at creating the consoles and has strong relationships with computer manufacturers, getting developers to create games for Xbox is harder because they often choose Steam unless Microsoft directly funds their projects. It’s a classic ‘which came first’ problem – does Microsoft need the games to sell consoles, or the consoles to attract developers?

Steam is currently the leading platform for PC gaming, even convincing PlayStation to adapt to what players want. A big reason is its flexible tools and open approach. Unlike other stores, Steam’s community and algorithms do a great job of highlighting interesting games – both popular titles and hidden gems. For example, the Xbox PC store recently recommended a game subscription I don’t want and a YouTube video I’ve already seen. Steam, on the other hand, showed me a variety of new and appealing games, because it has a wide selection and understands my gaming preferences.

Microsoft is facing a challenge with its PC game store: it hasn’t attracted enough players or developers. This creates a cycle where developers aren’t motivated to support Xbox on PC without a large user base, and players aren’t drawn to the platform without more games. Xbox Game Pass is central to this, offering instant exposure for games included in the service, but making it hard for games sold separately to gain traction.

Allowing more independent game developers onto Xbox PC could help the platform expand and thrive. Microsoft is already attracting developers by offering them a larger share of the revenue – 88% – compared to the 70% offered by Steam and on Xbox consoles. Furthermore, the growth of Xbox Cloud Gaming could open up new markets in countries where gaming traditionally focuses less on consoles or PCs.

Xbox seems to be approaching its growing PC gaming focus with the right attitude. However, the experience for both game creators and players still needs significant improvement.

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2025-11-29 15:10