Microsoft XNA, Xbox Live Indie future under question - rumour

Emails allegedly sent to XNA developers suggest Microsoft may be phasing out the development environment behind Xbox Live Indie Games.

"Presently the XNA Game Studio is not in active development and DirectX is no longer evolving as a technology," a message reportedly sent to XNA developers said.

"Given the status within each technology, further value and engagement cannot be offered to the MVP community. As a result, effective April 1, 2014 XNA/DirectX will be fully retired from the MVP Award Program."

The email was posted on the personal blog of Action Equals Reaction staffer Promit Roy. If genuine, the email suggests Microsoft has given up developing both platforms.

Microsoft hasn't commented on the emails, and some of CVG's sources said they hadn't received any such communication.

Industry insiders have reacted to the news by suggesting that Xbox Live Indie Games, which showcases XNA-developed titles, will not feature on the next Xbox console service. Although the indie storefront will be mourned, developers don't seem very concerned about the loss of XNA itself - as long as something better replaces it.

Thanks, OXM.