Microsoft’s New Xbox Indie Selects Program: A Revival of Xbox Live Arcade?

Microsoft’s Xbox Indie Selects program is a new initiative designed to promote indie games on the Xbox platform. The program, which was announced in January 2024, features a monthly, curated collection of six indie games in the Xbox Store, dashboard, and on Xbox social channels. This collection will be located in the Xbox Indies section of the Xbox Store and dash, alongside Microsoft’s additional indie collections, which will be updated weekly on Wednesdays.

The selected games don’t strictly have to be games from the ID@Xbox program, Microsoft said. It’ll also feature games “that look and feel ‘indie’.” Microsoft added that it will not include indie games already in Game Pass, “even if they’re fantastic”, because Game Pass games are already featured in the Game Pass hub.

Microsoft launched the program because it wants more people to discover, buy, and play indie games. “We know there are a lot of games out there right now, and it can be difficult for unique titles to find an audience in crowded marketplaces,” Glenn Gregory, ID@Xbox Marketing Manager, said in a post on Xbox Wire. “With a dedicated, permanent, curated collection in the Xbox Store, we’ll be able to bring more attention to games that we feel are particularly special – everything from current favorites, to older gems, to games from new creators from around the world.”

Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) was a prominent part of the Xbox 360’s download offering, and focused on smaller and cheaper games. XBLA featured some of the best games of the generation, including Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, Trials HD, Fez, Bastion, and Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2. The success of XBLA led to a surge in indie game development and helped establish the indie game scene on consoles.

The Xbox Indie Selects program is a welcome revival of the Xbox Live Arcade spirit. It’s a curated collection of indie games that Microsoft believes are worth playing, and it’s a great way for players to discover new games that they might not have otherwise found. The program also helps indie developers get more exposure and sales, which is important in a crowded marketplace.

The Xbox Indie Selects program is not the only way Microsoft is supporting indie developers. The ID@Xbox program, which allows indie developers to self-publish their games on the Xbox platform, continues to be a popular option for indie developers. Microsoft also offers funding and resources to help indie developers bring their games to market.

The success of the Xbox Indie Selects program will depend on the quality and variety of the games selected. Microsoft has a lot of experience in curating collections of games, and it’s likely that the Xbox Indie Selects program will feature a mix of genres, styles, and gameplay mechanics. The program also needs to be regularly updated to keep players engaged and interested.

The Xbox Indie Selects program is a great initiative for Xbox players who are looking for new and interesting indie games to play. It’s a curated collection of games that Microsoft believes are worth playing, and it’s a great way for players to discover new games that they might not have otherwise found. The program also helps indie developers get more exposure and sales, which is important in a crowded marketplace.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s Xbox Indie Selects program is a welcome revival of the Xbox Live Arcade spirit. It’s a curated collection of indie games that Microsoft believes are worth playing, and it’s a great way for players to discover new games that they might not have otherwise found. The program also helps indie developers get more exposure and sales, which is important in a crowded marketplace. The success of the program will depend on the quality and variety of the games selected, and it needs to be regularly updated to keep players engaged and interested. Overall, the Xbox Indie Selects program is a great initiative for Xbox players who are looking for new and interesting indie games to play.