Releasing an indie game on the Xbox 360 wasn’t the easiest thing in the world. If you were going to release on the platform you needed to release before, or concurrent with your release on any other platform. This caused serious problems for several indie games, such as Skullgirls, Fez, and more.
However, it appears as if Microsoft has re-evaluated its stance on this policy, and is now working with developers who have already signed timed exclusivity agreements to launch on other platforms first.
“Our goal is not to limit developers who are interested in Xbox One,” a Microsoft spokesperson said to Edge Magazine. “In instances where games have signed a timed exclusive with another platform, we’ll work with them on a case by case basis. We encourage them to get in touch at [email protected] .”
That being said, it’s generally understood that games on all platforms should release at about the same time. But this new open policy has certainly made Xbox development more appealing. Microsoft has announced over 200 developers taking part in the [email protected] program, and more are still joining.
Source: Edge Magazine