THUMBS
07-18-2014, 03:16 PM
Chris Charla talks up unannounced additions to ID@Xbox roster
With the Japanese release of Xbox One just around the corner, we've already seen Microsoft putting a little more effort into the famously Xbox-resistant market than usual. Exclusive hands-on events, specialised apps, even new games at launch all promise a neat experience for Japanese buyers. But will all this make a difference where previous consoles have struggled?
15321With Platinum's Scalebound already an exclusive, we'd say there's at least some high-profile interest - but what of the smaller-budgeted end of the scale? Self-publishing programme, ID@Xbox has already secured the services of Keiji Inafune and his Mega Man successor, Mighty No. 9, and director Chris Charla, speaking to me this week, confirmed that more Japanese indie titles are on their way, saying: "I know there are games in development for ID@Xbox in Japan right now that haven't been announced - I can't announce them here as it's really up to the developers."
It's not limited to Japan, however - Charla had much to say on the international appeal of his dev-submitted programme: "The amazing games we're seeing independent developers create are not limited to any geography. If I showed you a map with all the locations we've had applications from, it's almost every country on Earth. Where great games are getting made is around the world. Japan, the US, China, Belgium - there are amazing developers all over the world. It's pretty cool to see all those games on the way for ID@Xbox."
Frankly, all of this seems vaguely reminiscent of Aoife's ideas about how Xbox One can win in Japan. She'll be wanting royalties, soon.
With the Japanese release of Xbox One just around the corner, we've already seen Microsoft putting a little more effort into the famously Xbox-resistant market than usual. Exclusive hands-on events, specialised apps, even new games at launch all promise a neat experience for Japanese buyers. But will all this make a difference where previous consoles have struggled?
15321With Platinum's Scalebound already an exclusive, we'd say there's at least some high-profile interest - but what of the smaller-budgeted end of the scale? Self-publishing programme, ID@Xbox has already secured the services of Keiji Inafune and his Mega Man successor, Mighty No. 9, and director Chris Charla, speaking to me this week, confirmed that more Japanese indie titles are on their way, saying: "I know there are games in development for ID@Xbox in Japan right now that haven't been announced - I can't announce them here as it's really up to the developers."
It's not limited to Japan, however - Charla had much to say on the international appeal of his dev-submitted programme: "The amazing games we're seeing independent developers create are not limited to any geography. If I showed you a map with all the locations we've had applications from, it's almost every country on Earth. Where great games are getting made is around the world. Japan, the US, China, Belgium - there are amazing developers all over the world. It's pretty cool to see all those games on the way for ID@Xbox."
Frankly, all of this seems vaguely reminiscent of Aoife's ideas about how Xbox One can win in Japan. She'll be wanting royalties, soon.