What you need to know
- Microsoft Research is a division that forms a large part of Microsoft’s R&D efforts.
- Exploring new technologies and analysing user behavior, Microsoft Research has been heavily involved in some of Microsoft’s most forward-facing products and services.
- However, until now, Microsoft Research as pertains to Xbox has focused mostly on consumers.
- In a blog post, the team explained that they’re not pivoting to game developers as well, to study how to improve Xbox’s onboarding and publishing process.
As a tech enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but applaud Microsoft for its latest initiative to engage game developers directly through Microsoft Research. Having witnessed the rapid evolution of technology and gaming industries over the years, it’s clear that Microsoft is taking steps to stay competitive in today’s dynamic landscape.
Not bringing your game to Xbox? Microsoft wants to know why.
Microsoft Research serves as Microsoft’s research and development branch, pioneering groundbreaking technologies and innovative products for nearly 3 decades. This division employs several hundred individuals and takes up a significant portion of Microsoft’s budget, as stated in their SEC filings. It plays a crucial role in driving technological advancements that underpin many of its widely used products. Microsoft Research is also a key contributor to Microsoft’s extensive patent portfolio, which is among the most valuable globally, and has been instrumental in Microsoft’s mission to establish itself as a leading player in the field of artificial intelligence.
In terms of gaming, Microsoft Research is responsible for creating tools like Kinect, DirectX, DirectSR, Xbox cloud gaming, and numerous other innovations. Historically, their work has primarily targeted consumers, either by developing new products or enhancing existing services. However, this focus is set to shift.
In a recent blog update, Microsoft Research shared plans for creating a tool aimed at interacting with video game developers, with the goal of optimizing their systems, workflows, and offerings.
Dr. Deborah Hendersen, Xbox’s Principal User Researcher, pointed out, “For some time now, we’ve noticed a lack in this area. We focus extensively on developing games, hardware, and the [Xbox dashboard], but our methods for gathering feedback behind the scenes have been less structured. In essence, it mirrors why game studios may delay allocating resources to tool development. Ultimately, our priority remains the player.
Microsoft’s gaming division encountered a significant public relations issue lately when the developers of Enotria publicly criticized Xbox, alleging that Microsoft’s backend publishing systems were responsible for delays in their game release. It’s possible that this campaign could be related to this specific incident.
In simpler terms, Dr. Hendersen explained that Microsoft Research for game developers will apply methods similar to those used in the Xbox Insider Program when addressing issues related to different parts of the Microsoft gaming ecosystem. This includes interviews, usability tests, playtesting, surveys, and A/B testing (flighting). Essentially, we’re conducting the same type of research for tools and services as we do for games. When recruiting participants, we will provide all necessary details about the specific study to ensure they are suitable for the program and feel able to contribute effectively.
Microsoft aims to streamline its backend systems for Xbox gaming, catering to developers, with the goal of making them feel more empowered and supported by Xbox. This effort aligns with the company’s core mission to assist others in achieving more, an area where Xbox has faced some criticisms from developers as per interviews and testimonials. Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program for independent game creators has disbursed billions of dollars to developers. However, concerns have been raised about Xbox’s publishing backend systems, with instances like the recent mis-tagging of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection on the Xbox Store, failing to correctly identify it as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. One might expect such fundamental tasks to be automated by now.
Microsoft wants to learn from devs who shun Xbox, too
One of the biggest issues facing Xbox in recent years is the fear that developers don’t want to support the platform. The vast majority of games do come to Xbox, but the vast and huge variety of games hitting Steam suggests that it has increasingly become “the” priority destination for game developers, particularly on the indie side of things. Even big publishers like Square Enix have ditched Xbox in recent years, partially due to exclusivity deals, but we’ve also seen games skip the platform arbitrarily. Capcom explained that it previously couldn’t bring Marvel vs. Capcom and its Fighting Game Collection to Xbox due to a “technical” issue. Part of Microsoft’s efforts here is to figure out what they can do to improve the experience for developers who aren’t on Xbox at all.
Hendersen highlighted that creating and distributing a game involves numerous roles such as marketing, user testing, art, sound design, project managers, community management, among others. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in the development process. Henderson expressed eagerness to hear from individuals involved in game production or those who support game studios, as simplifying their tasks enhances the overall gaming experience.
Previous experiences with Xbox’s systems have been described as tedious ordeals by various developers who chose to remain anonymous. Criticizing Xbox publicly is usually avoided due to the risk of damaging relationships, but the situation became so challenging for Enotria developer Jyamma Games that they felt compelled to speak out. Many developers seem to favor Steam over Xbox due to its less stringent certification procedures. However, it’s important to consider that Microsoft is under constant threat from hostile actions by nations like Russia. This heightened security concern makes Xbox a more rigorous platform compared to others. In fact, Microsoft has had to significantly revise their security measures following a high-profile hack earlier in the year.
On personal computers (PCs), the gaming experience offered by Xbox isn’t optimal at the moment, likely affecting not only users but also developers. Although Xbox is generally well-supported across mainstream platforms, the Xbox store on PC falls short, seldom offering new AAA or indie games, unless they are part of an Xbox Game Pass deal. I hope Microsoft Research can work towards enhancing this situation for the benefit of both developers and consumers.
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2024-10-01 14:39