ID@Xbox is Microsoft's program for independent game development on the Xbox platform, across PC, consoles, and Xbox Game Pass mobile endpoints. Microsoft has previously noted how ID@Xbox has handed millions of dollars to developers in the program, shipping over 2000 games, with over 2000 more in development for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. ID@Xbox is responsible for some of the biggest games on the Xbox platform, including huge hits like ARK: Survival Evolved, The Long Dark, and many more.
Microsoft is now adapting its ID@Xbox model for Azure, dubbed ID@Azure, according to a new job listing on Microsoft Careers. The job listing very frankly describes the new program, aimed at engaging independent devs and start-ups into using Microsoft's Azure-based services and development tools, including things like Microsoft Game Stack and PlayFab as part of the Azure Gaming Industry Vertical team, led by James Gwertzman. The new ID@Azure program could be detailed further during Microsoft's Game Stack Live showcase, currently dated for April 20-21.
Microsoft has seen impressive growth against its competitors in the cloud space, particularly in the gaming arena. Many popular titles including Rainbow Six Siege, Minecraft, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and No Man's Sky all run on Microsoft's cloud, with doubtless many more to follow.
Microsoft's cloud is among the biggest in the world already and set to grow even more as cloud becomes an increasingly dominant piece of Microsoft's diverse business. The new ID@Azure program should further help to accelerate that growth, and help get smaller developers and teams access to robust cloud architecture and learning, accelerating innovation in the space.
Thanks to Liam for the tip!
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