The closer we get to the actual release of the Xbox One, the more the console seems to change. Although Microsoft’s box was once an online-focused, DRM machine with about as many fans as the Nokia N-Gage, the Xbox One has now turned enough corners to garner praise from multiple well-known developers. Once of those people is Mojang's Markus 'Notch' Persson, who recently patted the Xbox maker on the back for its moves to make publishing on the Xbox One a simple, open process.
"I think it's a wonderful idea to have the actual box be the dev kits," Notch told Edge. "This makes it easier for both the developer and for Microsoft, and presumably they could make it a lot cheaper since they'd only sell unlock codes. I realize there are other factors at play here, though, like a perceived need to make sure only 'legitimate' developers get access to it, so a monetary barrier might still be in place."
Microsoft wants everyone to be a developer through the Xbox One, gaining access to features like Xbox Live, Kinect, and that all-important Cloud. A fee will likely be in place that will prevent every single would-be creator from making the next big 2D platformer, but what the company has done to open up its platform should lead to a slew of new, satisfied talent willing to produce content on the next-gen machine. Sony may still hold most of the good will, but it sure doesn’t hurt Microsoft to have Notch on its side.
