Microsoft has announced a new platform for independent developers looking to bring their games to Xbox One. The Independent Developers @ Xbox initiative aims to make development and publishing more accessible than it was on Xbox 360 and as appealing to teams as PlayStation 4.

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“ We’re definitely not looking for fart apps, to use a kind of crude example.

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Starting today, developers can apply for the program, become registered developers, and receive two Xbox One development kits, all without any cost. IGN spoke with the program’s director, Chris Charla, to dig into what all of this means for the future of Xbox.“We want to be inclusive rather than exclusionary,” Charla says. To start, Microsoft is bringing in a smaller number of developers for approval, with more joining the fold as every Xbox One becomes development capable . “The program is open to developers of all scales,” says Charla, whether it’s one guy in his basement coding the next miniature masterpiece, or a AAA studio. The latter seems to defy the concept and title of this idea, but like Charla says: This isn’t meant to cut anyone out. It’s meant to bring more great games to Xbox One as possible.It’s also about experience. To begin, Microsoft wants teams who’ve shipped games before and “are reasonably well established.”Starting today, “qualified” developers can apply for the program, become registered developers, and receive two Xbox One development kits, all without any cost.On the other side of the coin, Xbox 360 indie games, like Apple’s App Store, is riddled with trash. “We’re definitely not looking for fart apps, to use a kind of crude example,” Charla says, but again dodges when I inquire about quality control. Certification, which has been notoriously unfriendly to some indies , should be streamlined, however.Charla says, without elaborating, “We’re working to make this as straightforward and accelerated for developers.” Microsoft isn’t saying how the process is changing just yet, and indie developers I’ve asked are either under strict NDAs or haven’t been told.It’s still early, and is something Microsoft has long-term plans for. Charla goes silent for a long time when I ask if Microsoft has plans to provide engines akin to Xbox 360’s XNA toolset. “There’s a lot of great tools devs can use on Xbox One already,” he says, but there aren’t any plans in place to provide teams with tools just yet. He reiterates that approved studios will get two free dev kits – which is an exceptionally smart move, given the prohibitive cost – thousands of dollars – of console developer units.Ultimately, this is great news for you and I. It means more imaginative, creative games from studios that may not have otherwise come to Xbox One. Accessibility is key for developers, especially when they’re small and lacking the necessary funds.PlayStation has made it clear that they’re going to bat for the little guys . Microsoft’s response is great for everyone.

Mitch Dyer is an Associate Editor at IGN. He’s currently reading Joe Hill’s Heart Shaped Box. Read his ramblings on Twitter follow him on IGN , and listen to him on Podcast Unlocked