Xbox One News: Update On Parity Clause For ID@Xbox And Sling TV Offer For Xbox Owners

A Gamer Plays 'Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare' On An Xbox One — IN PHOTO: A gamer plays "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare" on an Xbox One console during the Xbox Play Day 2014, before the Gamescom 2014 fair in Cologne August 12, 2014. The Gamescom convention, Europe's largest video games trade fair, is opened to the public from August 14 to 17. Reuters/Wolfgang Rattay

Microsoft has already turned its view to the games coming out for the Xbox One as the console progresses in its lifespan. But it seems that one thing that it wants to make clear is how independent game developers can put their titles on the Xbox One.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Agostino Simonetta, ID@Xbox program boss for Europe, revealed some points in the independent game development program that has changed since it was first introduced to developers. One of the big changes now is that any game can now come out on Xbox, with total exclusivity being the only reason that can stop it.

“There are no specific limitations on titles that have launched on other platforms coming to Xbox,” said Simonetta. According to him, the main thing is for developers to talk to Microsoft about their games and figure out how it can be delivered to players via the Xbox One platform.

Last year, Microsoft had stated that it will be dealing with independent games previously launched on other platforms on a “case by case basis.” Polygon previously reported that the main goal of the ID@Xbox was not to limit developers who want to get on the Xbox One platform. But Simonetta has at least said outright that there is a chance for any game to be published on the Xbox One so long as exclusivity is not held by other platforms.

Also on the Xbox One, Microsoft is letting its users enjoy the Sling TV service with an exclusive free 30-day trial. This is an exclusive offer for Xbox One members.

Sling TV will allow users to enjoy the Snap feature while immersed in other activities, pin apps to the Home page and use voice or gesture controls. In case Sling TV is the deal sealer to buy an Xbox One, Microsoft makes it an even easier decision by offering a three-month free trial of the Sling TV with any purchase made of the Xbox One in the U.S.

Major Nelson checks out the features of the Sling TV with company CEO Roger Lynch over at the Xbox Wire. The interview reveals that Sling TV is a way to watch live TV without cable access as well as video-on-demand content. The base service is priced at $20 a month, and will include the aforementioned features. In addition, customisation of content experience is also made possible, an example of which is for sports fans. “Sports Extra” can be added to the service, as well as other add-on packs that are tailored for specific interests for only $5 per month.

The main advantage of Sling TV apart from customised content is that it also allows Xbox One users to enjoy it without long-term contracts. The monthly payment and customisation gives users more control over what they want to watch and gain access to for entertainment content.