Microsoft has shared updated data on ID@Xbox. Since the program's inception, the company has paid indie developers a total of over $5 billion.
This was announced by the director of ID@Xbox, Guy Richards. Over the last two years, the payout amount has increased by a billion dollars—from $4 billion in March 2023.
ID@Xbox is aimed at assisting independent teams in publishing games for the Xbox ecosystem. In addition to financial distributions, developers receive free dev kits, access to technical documentation, and other support.
As part of the Play Anywhere initiative, the company also helps third-party studios ensure their games operate within Microsoft's ecosystem (consoles, PCs, Game Pass, and cloud gaming).
It is worth noting that not all teams that have gone through ID@Xbox can be classified as part of the indie scene. For example, included among the participants is Remedy, which is publicly traded and receives Microsoft's support in releasing its cooperative shooter, FBC: Firebreak.
In total, over 1,000 titles have become part of the program over 12 years, including last year's Balatro and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, as well as upcoming releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong.