Microsoft promises to support indies on Xbox One

Independent developers will not be able to self-publish games on the Xbox One, but that doesn't mean Microsoft is skipping over the indie scene altogether for its next-generation platform.

Speaking with Kotaku, Microsoft head of Interactive Entertainment Don Mattrick said an indie-friendly program will exist, though he was not ready to give more details about it.

"We're going to have an independent creator program," Mattrick said. "We're going to sponsor it. We're going to give people tools. We're going to give more information."

Mattrick described the indie scene as "important," and referenced his own career path in explaining why such a development program is necessary on the Xbox One.

"That is something we think--I think--is important," Mattrick said. "That's how I started in the industry. There's no way we're going to build a box that doesn't support that."

The Xbox One launches later this year, though Microsoft has yet to provide specific release or pricing information.