The big three publishing houses in the game – Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo – have typically been far more picky about the developers they support and the games they host than the likes of Steam. This makes sense, as it's not just the reputation of their showcase on the line, but the hardware as well.
However, we've seen this loosen up in recent years, and now Xbox is taking it even further. As of this week, Xbox has made its previously private Game Publishing Guide publicly available to everyone and has removed all NDAs associated with it, meaning it can be discussed publicly.
Developers invited to work with Xbox as Studio releases its Publishing Guide
As reported by Windows Central, the move brings Xbox's console and PC publishing path more in line with Steam's, which is open to the public — and therefore less indie developers.
The announcement from Xbox describes what this means in practical terms. “Whether you're a first-time independent developer or a seasoned publisher, you can now browse the guide freely, share it with your team, and refer to it throughout development,” the blog post says.
“This isn't a one-time change. We'll continue to improve and expand our documentation, so every developer has the information they need to bring their game to Xbox. As we update requirements, streamline workflows, and add new features, the public guide will evolve with you.”
Reading between the lines, this is a clear attempt to make Xbox an attractive partner for publishers. We've seen some in the community react with skepticism, fearing that Xbox Stores will become Steam's wild wasteland with low-quality games flooding the market, but this move doesn't guarantee that the games made from these guides will be published on Xbox Stores.
After struggling to keep up with its competition this console generation, getting more game developers to work with the Xbox is never a bad idea. In fact, going into the next generation of consoles, it's going to need as much support as it can get, as it now has Valve to contend with. This is because Valve has revealed its own console, the Steam Machine, which is a PC and console hybrid. The next Xbox is also said to be a PC and console hybrid, but Valve is ready to beat it to market, launching in early 2026.
