Microsoft Addresses Indie Concerns, XBL Indie Games Back In The Games Section

Xbox Live's Indie Games have been moved back into the "Games & Demos" section of the console's Marketplace, after a brief period sequestered in a "Specialty" section. Responding to developer outcry after a recent Dashboard update, Microsoft has brought the indies back among the other games. Developers had argued that placing the indie games in the Specialty section beside the Game Room and Avatar Marketplace would accord XBLIG titles less visibility, thereby making sales more challenging. In a statement, Microsoft asserted that the move was intended to benefit indie developers, but few seemed satisfied. Users of Microsoft's App Hub developer forum wanted more clarity on the rationale behind the move, and some, like Weapon of Choice developer Mommy's Best Games, called the decision a "categorical failure" that treated XBLIG titles as somehow different from "real" games. But without fanfare or further discussion, Microsoft simply reversed the move. "The new placement isn't perfect -- but its a huge step in the right direction," said one dev on the forum, celebrating the news. "As an added plus - each time I back out of the game market place and then go back in to access Games and Demos, it shows the indie tab first before flipping back to Arcade games." Developers also said that they would still like to see indie games appear as results in general search, but largely the climate was one of surprise that massive Microsoft heard and responded to their concerns.