Microsoft's Xbox division has been making concerted efforts to tap into India's burgeoning gaming market, recognizing its immense potential.
In an interview with IGN, Arjun Varma, India's Lead for Global Expansion at Xbox, shed light on the company's vision to empower game developers across India by providing them with the necessary support and resources to bring their games to a global audience.
Xbox has implemented several initiatives to nurture the indie game development ecosystem in India:
ID@Xbox Program - The Doorway to Opportunities
The ID@Xbox program is a gateway for indie developers to publish their games on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
Indian studios can register with ID@Xbox and potentially receive funding, mentorship, and marketing support from Xbox.
But getting selected is just the beginning. Xbox has an "ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program" that provides even more resources to promising Indian games like the recently featured Brocula.
How Does a Developer Get Selected for ID@Xbox?
To get their games considered, Indian developers can pitch their concepts directly to Xbox through the official Microsoft webpage.
Attending events like the "Xbox India Game Maker Summit" can also help developers showcase their work and network with Xbox representatives.
Unlocking Azure Cloud Power with ID@Azure
In addition to ID@Xbox, Xbox is leveraging the ID@Azure program to empower indie developers in India.
Qualified studios can receive up to $150,000 worth of Azure cloud credits, lowering the barrier to entry for game development.
Game Camp Asia - An Immersive Learning Experience
Another notable initiative is "Game Camp Asia," a two-month program that provides Indian game developers with an immersive learning experience.
Teams like the all-women studio Arturo are participating, gaining invaluable knowledge and exposure.
Community Building and Education
Xbox recognizes the importance of fostering a strong game development community in India.
The brand participates in industry events, hosts meetups, and conducts "Xbox Discovery Days" to educate developers about partnering with Xbox.
Global Aspirations for Indian Games
While empowering local talent is the goal, Xbox also aims to promote Indian games globally.
Arjun Varma, emphasizes the desire to bring games "from underrepresented regions like India to a global platform," especially those with an "Indian flavor and local elements."
The Long-Term Vision: Nurturing Future Talent
Looking ahead, game development education will be a "huge focus" for Xbox in India.
By providing resources to students, early-stage studios, and aspiring developers, Xbox hopes to cultivate the next generation of Indian gaming talent.
As Varma dreams of seeing "some of the best games featured on Xbox—coming from India," the brand's efforts underscore its commitment to the Indian gaming ecosystem.
In a remarkable growth spurt, Xbox has expanded its engagement with Indian game developers from just a handful in 2022 to a staggering 100+ studios currently.
Over 45 studios have registered with the ID@Xbox program, and several more games are under review.