In an effort to provide more avenues for independent developers on its new console, Microsoft announced that the Unity add-on will be free for any registered indie developers in the Independent Developers @Xbox program.

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The add-on, releasing in 2014 for the Xbox One, will allow registered developers to use the Unity game engine to publish titles on the new console, as well as Windows 8 and Windows 8 devices. Microsoft says this will level the playing field for developers, regardless of their size or location.Xbox One-only Unity Pro licenses will also be offered to qualified developers. Microsoft has already promised to be on the lookout for promising titles that deserve marketing and promotion, but offering Unity free to any developer willing to register is another step in the effort to bring original content to next-gen platforms."Microsoft continues to show their commitment to creating opportunity for developers of all shapes and sizes, a commitment shared by Unity," Unity Technologies CEO David Helgason said. "The drive behind the ID@Xbox program is exciting for Unity and the games development community in general. We can’t wait to see the results.”The ID@Xbox program , announced at Gamescom this year, aims to make development and publishing friendlier than they were on Xbox 360, and as appealing as they are on the PlayStation 4 and Wii U ; with more and more developers using the Unity engine, this new approach could open up myriad avenues for creative developers.

Mike Mahardy is a freelance writer for various outlets, and is currently reading Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut. You can follow Mike on Twitter.