Microsofts ID@Azure is a big win for indie developers on Xbox Series X and PS5

Date:
Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:24:35 +0000

Description:
Microsoft's new program brings the power of Azure to indie developers everywhere, and could help combat crunch.

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Microsoft has launched ID@Azure, a new program aimed specifically at helping independent game developers take advantage of the cloud. The program should allow participants to develop faster, work smarter, and have access to expert support no matter what platform theyre working on, be it Xbox Series X or
PS5 .

The program will offer tools to developers who sign up and allows smaller studios to access the same services and capabilities used by larger teams. Popular games such as No Mans Sky, Rainbow Six Siege, and Sea of Thieves all rely on Azure Microsofts in-house cloud computing service to reach millions of players every day, so granting smaller studios access to these powerful tools is certainly exciting.

Microsoft hopes that ID@Azure will encourage independent developers to implement cloud services into a development cycle, which can be as simple as creating online leaderboards or used to gather real-time player data which
may improve a games design. Essentially, its intended to empower more indie devs to make better games and realize their vision.

With some of the biggest games coming from independent developers in recent years, such as Tunic, Stardew Valley , Cuphead, and Hades , more available resources and tools can only be a good thing for the industry.

The cloud can also help provide solutions for teams who work together from numerous geographic locations, as well as facilitate hybrid working, which Microsoft believes is here to stay. The pandemic has led to a clear shift in game development, so having a powerful tool that enables online collaboration and scalable environments is more necessary than ever. Analysis: could the cloud address crunch?

Potentially, Microsofts cloud computing platform, known as the Azure Game Development Virtual Machine , could address crunch, an all too common problem in the video games industry where teams are overworked due to the need to hit encroaching deadlines. By having studios located around the world and using the cloud, everyone can access the same powerful tools, and there can be a constant workflow. It means that tasks that might fall on one team can be accomplished in other time zones while they get their hard-earned rest.

Cloud gaming has risen to prominence in the last few years, allowing games to be played on multiple devices. Services such as Nvidia GeForce Now , Stadia , Luna , and Microsofts own Xbox Cloud Gaming allow subscribers to play games using the power of the cloud and continue to offer a viable alternative to consoles and high-end PCs.

While the impact of ID@Azure wont be felt by gamers in the short term, theres no doubt that games from independent developers could become even more ambitious in the future thanks to Microsofts new program. Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S : which console is right for you?



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsofts-idazure-is-a-big-win-for-indie-devel opers-on-xbox-series-x-and-ps5/


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