self-publishing
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Sony signs on 1,000 licensed, self-published indies
Over 1,000 developers worldwide have signed on to self-publish games for PlayStation platforms, Sony announced today. Self-published titles account for many of the more than 100 games coming to the PlayStation 4 this year. Over 200 development studios in North America applied for Sony's self-publishing initiative since the PlayStation 4 was first announced last February. [Video: Sony]
Barnes & Noble brings Nook Press self-publishing to parts of Europe
Does your agent constantly reject your manuscript about a teen wizard who falls in love with a vampire and has to fight for their life in a televised death zone? Barnes & Noble feels your pain, and is opening up the Nook Press self-publishing platform to parts of Europe to get your story told. From today, the web-based service launches in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. But how much do you stand to make? If your title is priced between £1.50 (€2.50) and £7.99 (€9.49) you'll receive 65 percent of the fee, and if it's under £1.50 (€2.49), you'll get 40 percent land in your bank account. Just remember that Amazon is the only e-reader company that'll let you write your GI Joe opus.
First run of ID@Xbox Games arriving on Xbox One closer to March 2014
The broad launch window for the first run of ID@Xbox games is narrowing, as program director Chris Charla said the first set of indie games will start to arrive near the end of Q1 2014. Speaking with Edge, Charla said the launch dates "will be early in the New Year, in the first three months... I would say closer to the third month," placing the games closer to March 2014. Previously, Microsoft Corporate VP Phil Harrison said in September that indie games launching through the program would likely start to arrive in "early 2014." Charla added that it's hard to determine how many games would arrive on Xbox One early in 2014, as each one is still in development, and some have been for months. Microsoft unveiled a list of 33 developers participating in the program earlier this month, which included Halfbrick Studios (Fruit Ninja), Double Fine (Brutal Legend), Crytek (Crysis, Far Cry) and Vlambeer (Ridiculous Fishing).
Super Time Force shifts to 2014, also coming to Xbox One
Capybara Games is bringing its radical 2D run-and-gun game, Super Time Force, to Xbox One in addition to Xbox 360, and aims to launch both versions simultaneously. The game will be self-published on Xbox One through the ID@Xbox program and has a new launch window of early 2014. "As 2013 waned and the ruckus around new consoles got louder, we decided that launching on both the Xbox One and Xbox 360 would be the best way for Super Time Force to get out there," Nathan Vella, Capy co-founder and president, told Joystiq. "We really believe in our game, and we're happy that ID@Xbox gives us a chance to bring it to players who made the jump." Capybara Games is also working on another Xbox One game, Below, but that's being published by Microsoft Studios, as is the Xbox Live Arcade (Xbox 360) version of Super Time Force. "Between Super Time Force and Below, players will get the chance to see two very different games from our studio. Super Time Force is easily the most action-packed and ridiculous game we've ever made, while Below is, without much exaggeration, on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. Having these two vastly different games coming from our studio is a huge point of pride for us." Super Time Force will launch "a few months into 2014" while Below's launch date has not been announced.
First batch of self-publishing Xbox One developers include Double Fine, Crytek
Microsoft listed 33 developers that will be participating in its ID@Xbox self-publishing program for Xbox One. The list of those that applied and were approved by Microsoft included Iron Galaxy (Divekick), Crytek (Crysis, Far Cry), Halfbrick Studios (Fruit Ninja), Demiurge Studios (Shoot Many Robots), Double Fine (Brutal Legend) and Vlambeer (Ridiculous Fishing). Some developers have already announced the games they are bringing to the platform, such as Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9 and Capy's Below. The independent developers program was announced in August, and grants indies access to two Xbox One development kits as well as a license to the Unity game engine in order to create games for the system. Microsoft said the first round of games published in the ID@Xbox program will arrive in early 2014. Microsoft's initial plans to disallow self-publishing on the Xbox One were reversed in July. A list of the participating developers, which Microsoft says is "far from comprehensive," can be found after the break.
Offensive e-book controversy highlights issues with self-publishing
Just as e-books mean anyone with an internet connection has the world's biggest library to hand, they also mean anyone with a word processor can be an author. Some of the big e-book outlets have self-publishing programs that circumvent the traditional channels, so you can simply share your story and let readers judge you, instead of banking on a publishing house giving you a shot. A great idea in theory, but as some e-book retailers are discovering, not without its faults. As the BBC reports, e-book vendors including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and others are scrambling to remove certain kinds of erotica (twisted stuff featuring abuse, rape, etc.) from their stores. Several recent articles by The Kernel highlighted the availability of such material, and questioned the ethics of retailers profiting from it. Another issue brought to public attention is how the content had been indexed -- it was easily discoverable using seemingly harmless search criteria. While Amazon and B&N are said to be removing titles deemed inappropriate from their sites, Kobo has temporarily closed its e-book store while it scours the virtual shelves and attempts to "protect the reputation of self-publishing." As you'd expect, all the merchants mentioned have guidelines prohibiting the publication of offensive texts (call it public interest censorship), and yet have launched reactionary measures following recent reports. With self-publishing programs in their infancy, it appears approval systems aren't yet developed enough to automatically flag content that breaches those policies. Despite this rather major hiccup, we're sure many would agree that self-publishing is a sound concept -- there are just a few kinks in the execution department that need ironing out. In light of this controversy, perhaps it's time for e-book stores to start acting a bit more like real publishers.
ID@Xbox program supports all payment models on Xbox One
Independent games will not have to adhere to a set pricing structure on the Xbox One. During an interview with Joystiq at PAX Prime, Microsoft's portfolio director for digital games Chris Charla said the ID@Xbox program, an initiative that will allow independent developers to eventually self-publish on Xbox One, will enable "every business model that any other game on Xbox One has." So ID@Xbox games support free-to-play, micro-transactions and premium pricing. "On Xbox One, games that come through ID@Xbox are no different than any other game," Charla said. "They have full Gamerscore, full Achievements, can take advantage of SmartGlass, Kinect – if you can do it with an Xbox One game, you can do it with anything that comes through the ID@Xbox program. That's like a fundamental tenet of the program." The ID@Xbox program, an effort that will allow independent developers to use retail Xbox One consoles as developer kits, was first announced last week. Developers will not be able to self-publish on Xbox One at launch later this year, though Microsoft has said the functionality will be rolled out an unspecified later date.
Microsoft starts 'Independent Developers @ Xbox' self-publishing program
Microsoft has announced a self-publishing program for independent developers to get their games on Xbox One. Applications to join "Independent Developers @ Xbox" (or "ID@Xbox") are available widely starting today (xbox.com/id), though Microsoft tells Joystiq it is prioritizing developers with a proven track record during the initial stages of the program, which begins this fall. "We wanted to recognize that this program is just starting out," said Chris Charla, who heads up the ID@Xbox program and its support team. "We're really looking for qualified developers, especially in the early stages." Though there is no generic checklist for what is a "prioritized" application, Charla says Microsoft is looking for established indies that can provide good feedback to help the program improve in the future. Once accepted into the program, ID@Xbox participants will receive two Xbox One development kits at no cost, along with full access to Achievements, the Xbox Live toolset, cloud services, Kinect and SmartGlass for use in their games. "We have a pretty quick turnaround to letting people into the program, and signing their hardware agreements and that sort of thing," Charla said. However, "if we get 1000 entries on Tuesday, it's going to take a couple days longer than if we get 200." Charla would not disclose the general details of the resulting contracts, only saying that "every contract is probably a little different."
Self-publishing rumored for Xbox 360, Microsoft has nothing to announce
Xbox 360 developers may be able to self-publish their games on Xbox Live Arcade starting this August, according to a recent update from The Pinball Arcade developer FarSight Studios. Microsoft, however, maintains that there have been no official changes to the Xbox 360's publishing situation: "We have not announced any changes to our publishing policy for Xbox 360," a representative told Joystiq. Meanwhile: "Microsoft has just announced that indie developers (like FarSight) can now self-publish on Xbox Live Arcade instead of being required to find publishers for their games," FarSight's announcement reads. "Microsoft has stated that the new program will open in August- we will do everything we can to get The Pinball Arcade (and all of the new Table Packs) back on the Xbox 360 as quickly as possible." Microsoft announced earlier this week that indie developers will be able to self-publish on the Xbox One, but no mention was made of the Xbox 360 or the existing Xbox Live Arcade. The Microsoft representative we spoke to said that the company will be "sharing more about self-publishing on Xbox One at Gamescom."
Microsoft confirms self-publishing for Xbox One
Following a report from earlier today, Microsoft has confirmed the Xbox One console will support self-publishing for independent developers. Retail systems will also double as development kits, meaning any Xbox One purchased in a store can be used for game development and testing purposes. "Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development," Xbox corporate VP Marc Whitten told Engadget. "That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox LIVE. This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox LIVE. We'll have more details on the program and the timeline at Gamescom in August." Before this revision, Microsoft's Xbox One policies required developers to be paired with third-party publishers or publishing deals from Microsoft itself, making no exceptions for self-publishing.
Report: Xbox One to allow self-publishing [update]
The latest Xbox One-80 move is to integrate support of a self-publishing model for indies. Citing "sources," Game Informer reports that Microsoft will now support the model prevalent on Steam and announced for PlayStation 4. Microsoft's earlier publishing requirements did not enable self-publishing, but at this point anything and everything appears to be back in play for the console with the ever-changing messaging. Game Informer also reports the certification process for games is being streamlined and – although they can't confirm it – that all Xbox One units can also serve as debug (or developer kit) units. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment. Update: Confirmed.
Sony's PS4 self-publishing principles: 'Every developer is a publisher'
Sony Computer Entertainment says self-publishing on the PS4 is built around treating developers like publishers, providing a level playing field, maintaining relationships, and removing hurdles. Those are the "four pillars of self-publishing" as detailed by Agostino Simonetta, Senior Account Manager of Publisher and Developer Relations at SCE Europe, during a talk at this week's Develop conference in the UK. "Every single individual developer is a publisher as far as we're concerned," said Simonetta of the first of the self-publishing pillars."We don't separate, we don't segregate indies from traditional publishers." Simonetta explained self-publishing indies have control over their games' release dates on PS4, and can work with Sony on promotion through channels like the PlayStation Blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts. However, these opportunities aren't guaranteed. "It boils down to the objective quality of your title," Simonetta pointed out. This relationship extends to an "open-door" policy at SCE Europe, where self-publishing PS4 indies are welcome to visit the company's London office to sit and talk face-to-face about their games. "For us, it's key that each and every one of the companies working on PlayStation can come and talk to us at any time they want or need," Simonetta said.
Barnes & Noble relabels PubIt! as Nook Press, adds web-based publishing tool
Barnes & Noble's PubIt! self-publishing conduit has been active for well over two years, but you'd be forgiven for overlooking it with that somewhat forgettable (if very emphatic) name. The company might just know what you're thinking, as it's giving the service a considerably more memorable title, Nook Press, while upgrading features at the same time. Although the royalty structure remains the same, Nook Press now incorporates a web-based authoring tool: would-be Hemingways can write and preview their work through one online hub, sharing their drafts with others in a secure space. Those who commit should also get more exposure through an upcoming Nook Press channel on Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets. There's no guarantee that the rebranding will lure potential bestselling authors away from Amazon, but they may have a better sense of their options.
Apple adds Breakout Books to the iBookstore to spotlight the self-published
As glad as we are that digital bookstores let authors skip the usual gatekeepers, that doesn't help much if they can't get noticed. Apple is giving those self-publishing writers more of a chance to shine with the launch of a permanent Breakout Books section in the US iBookstore. The section highlights hot-selling and well-reviewed independent books, many of them from distributors like Smashwords. Don't see the placement as a purely altruistic gesture, though: many of the books sell for significantly less than their peers from major publishers, which might help Apple snag a few more impulse purchases than it would otherwise. We doubt there will be many complaints when the category could pad both sides' wallets.
Penguin and Random House merge, promise a brave new e-book future
The pressure of digital transitions can lead traditional media companies to circle the wagons -- for better or for worse -- and book publishers certainly aren't immune as e-books take hold. Bertelsmann and Pearson are worried enough to be merging their respective Random House and Penguin publishing wings into a joint venture, not-so-creatively titled Penguin Random House, that they hope will better survive "long-term trends" like the shift away from paper-centric business models. While the two are engaged in the usual corporatespeak of creating "synergies" (read: resource cuts), we're more interested in talk of the union being a springboard for digital efforts: Penguin Random House wants to be "more adventurous" with e-book models like self-publishing. Whether the merger leads to a renaissance for established publishers or just reduced competition when the deal closes in the back half of 2013, we're bracing ourselves for the possibility of a Fifty Shades of Jamie Oliver crossover.
Editorial: Bring on the digital overthrow of publishing
Last week's release of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offered an opportunity to look back on the rapid growth of e-reading, and look forward to what the digitization of publishing will mean to four major market forces: publishers, bookstores, authors and readers. As during any technological disruption, winners and losers trade fates until the upheaval settles and a new cycle of status quo begins. Amazon is not the only bookstore represented in the scramble for new-era survival, but its major role has multiple dimensions: seller, publisher, enabler, inventor and primary instigator of disruption. Amazon is banking on being a winner, and was recently handed an advantage by the U.S. government in its uneasy relationship with publishers. While industrial forces work their way through the dislocation of new paradigms, individuals -- both book consumers and book authors -- stand to be the biggest winners, and that is a good thing.
Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there
Pid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.The PA Report explains how it all works: When Microsoft agrees to allow devs to publish on XBLA, those devs get a set number of slots to sell games with. Not all of the publishers who get these slots use them and some of those publishers are now selling their slots, usually for a share of the game's profits, to other developers. That's the case with Pid: Might and Delight is "borrowing" another publisher's game slot and in return sharing part of Pid's profits.Anyone publishing a game on XBLA needs to give Microsoft a cut of the profits as well, so both Microsoft and the publisher are taking money away from Might and Delight here. But on the plus side, Might and Delight doesn't need to make a traditional publishing deal at all, so there's no issue with exclusivity or long-term rights. If the game does well, they're much more likely to make sure they see the rewards directly.
iBooks Author gets new EULA, aims to clear writer's block
We've waxed lyrical about iBooks Author at the technological level, but a good self-publishing platform counts for nothing if authors are put off by its terms and conditions. A particular source of antagonism so far has been the notion that, if an author decides to charge a fee for their iBook, then Apple will claim exclusive distribution rights and prevent them from publishing their work anywhere else. Check out the More Coverage links below and you'll see that a number of writers tore up Apple's licensing agreement and flung it into the proverbial overflowing trash can. Now though, Cupertino has done some re-writing of its own and come up with a new EULA. It clarifies that Apple will only demand exclusive distribution rights over .ibooks files that are created with iBooks Author, rather than the book's content itself. It states that "this restriction will not apply to the content of the work when distributed in [another] form." So, there it is -- writers everywhere can happily go back to tearing up their own work again.
Victory: The Age of Racing changes publishers, burns rubber into beta
It's been quite some time since we last heard from Vae Victis regarding its F2P racing MMO, Victory: The Age of Racing. The game was originally slated to be a 1960s Formula One racing title, but over time it has evolved to take place in a distant, post-apocalyptic future when humanity has been reduced to small pockets of survivors. Maybe said survivors held a council meeting to decide what they should be doing with their time: repopulating the earth, planting sustainable crops, scavenging for food... the choices are endless. But apparently one thing was more important than all that: racing. Victory was originally picked up to be published by GamersFirst, but after three years of deliberation, Vae Victis decided to self-publish the title "to best fulfill each particular need it will have and finally create the best possible product for our beloved players." The official post goes on to announce the initiation of Victory Beta 1, which is "a new version of the game that offers dozens of new features and fixes," such as the addition of a matchmaking system, achievements, new game modes, the Pro class for experienced players, and much more. For the full details, head on over to Vae Victis' blog, and then click on over to the game's official site to get behind the wheel.
Apple announces free iBooks Author OS X app for publishing books to the App Store
We're here at Apple's education-themed event at the Guggenheim museum in New York City, and the company's just followed up its long-awaited textbook announcement with something unexpected: iBooks Author, a free OS X program for creating books. The intent is really for teachers and other educators to produce educational materials, but Apple says the format can apply to any genre. Aside from the free part, the real story here is ease of use, with the ability to drag and drop photos, videos and even Microsoft Word files into various templates. If you use Apple's own suite of office apps, in particular, you can drag and drop a Keynote presentation into the doc, and it'll live on as an interactive widget. (You can whip up other widgets, too, though you'll need to know Javascript or HTML.) Moving beyond the main text, authors can also arrange glossaries by highlighting and clicking words, and clicking again to add a definition. In a surprise move, Apple also said authors can publish straight to the store, though we're waiting for clarification that textbook writers and other scribes are actually exempt from Cupertino's notorious approval process. In any case, the app is available now in the App Store (for OS X Lion only, sadly) so you can cracking on that definitive Kurt Vonnegut glossary you never knew you had in you. Update: We've got our hands-on up! Update 2: Apple has confirmed some key approval and revenue-sharing details. First, authors will be subject to the same App Store approval process as developers. Writers can offer their books for free, or for as much as $14.99 -- the same price cap for textbooks sold in the store. And, like developers, authors must agree to a 70/30 revenue split, with writers pocketing 70 percent after Apple takes its share.
