Guy Richards, head of the ID@Xbox program, said that Xbox has paid out $5 billion to developers since the initiative launched. Between 2013 and 2019, the total payout was $1.2 billion, and by 2023, as Game Pass grew significantly in popularity, that figure would exceed $4 billion.
Launched in 2013, the ID@Xbox program is designed to support independent developers in releasing their games on Xbox. It provides access to technical documentation for Microsoft consoles, development advice, and even financial assistance for porting projects.
The company also announced that over 1,000 games support Xbox Play Anywhere, which allows you to purchase a single copy of a game for both console and PC. With new gaming rigs like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Legion Go, XPA increases game time by approximately 20%.
"Our mission with ID@Xbox has always been to empower teams to achieve more with Xbox. Over the years, our program has evolved to bring ID@Xbox games to players on more screens and in new ways through Game Pass and Stream Your Own Game," writes Guy Richards.
ID@Xbox has helped launch over 1,000 games in 2024, including Balatro, Phasmophobia, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Upcoming Xbox-supported projects include Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Descenders Next, FBC: Firebreak, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.