Microsoft has released details of their plans for user generated content developed with the use of the XNA Game Studio. During a keynote address at this year’s Gamefest conference in Seattle, Microsoft announced that it will be launching its “Xbox Live Community Games” service by the end of the year.
Not only are we democratising game development with Xbox LIVE Community Games later this year, but we’re creating an opportunity for aspiring developers to start their careers on the world stage, Satchell said. It is really a win for both developers and consumers because this will no doubt act as an incentive for game creators to continue to develop the best, most innovative games for Xbox 360.
Wannabe developers will go through a strict peer review process to determine whether the game is appropriate for the service or not. Get through that stage alright and you will be free to offer your work up for purchase at one of three price points – 200, 400 or 800 Microsoft Points. Developers will receive at least 70% of the revenue generated by the game.
Now I’m no mathematician, but lets take the 10 million Xbox LIVE users Microsoft planned to have on the service by June this year (not sure if they hit that target or not). Lets say 0.5% of those 10 million users think they might want to try out your game. Because you’re not the greedy type, you offer your game at the lower price point of 200 Microsoft Points. 10,000,000 x 0.5 = 50000 gamers. 50000 x 200 Microsoft Points at NZ $3.3 = $165000. 70% of $165,000 = NZ $115,500. Now that’s a cash cow.
