Microsoft confirms self-publishing on Xbox One

Microsoft has confirmed that it will allow self-publishing on Xbox One as well as confirming earlier reports the console will double as a dev kit.

Microsoft had previously stated games could not be self-published on its new Xbox One console, and that even independent developers would need the backing of a publisher. But like with its DRM policies, the firm has once again done a 180-degree turn on the matter.

"Our vision is that every person can be a creator," said Microsoft's Marc Whitten to Engadet. "That every Xbox One can be used for development. That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox Live.

"This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox Live. We'll have more details on the program and the timeline at gamescom in August."

Earlier today, a Game Informer report stated that Microsoft was posed to announce a new policy which will allow independent developers to self-publish. The changes would allow developers to set release dates, pricing, and the certification process is said to be similar to iTunes in that certification will last around 14-days.

This wasn't the first report we'd seen on the matter, nor the second and earlier this month, Lionhead Studios’ creative director Gary Carr, said Microsoft was "passionate" about indies and that corporate VP Phil Harrison would be unveiling the firm's strategy “very soon”.

Today's report also stated that standard Xbox One units at retail would allow users to covert it over to a debug console to play pre-release code. This would be implemented via Microsoft authorizing specific consoles to play said pre-release codes and for large-scale beta testing. However this option will not be available at launch.

Looks like gamescom will be the place to be when it comes to more Xbox One information.