This is why certification is bad, folks.
How bad? In this specific case it is not too annoying but it does limit both freedom of expression as well as business
opportunities. On the Xbox 360, indie developers were required to be
published by Microsoft and give their console exclusivity or launch date
parity. Things are a bit more relaxed on the Xbox One with ID@Xbox
permitting self-publish releases. Microsoft will work "on a
case-by-case" for games that have already been released on other
platforms.
But Australian developer, Witch Beam, is
unable to launch on the Xbox One. They had enough resources for a PC
release in January followed by PlayStation 4, Vita, and WiiU. They did
not have enough manpower to include Xbox One in that second window. As
such, unless Microsoft gives them a waiver based on press attention,
"Assault Android Cactus" will not appear on the Xbox One.
Microsoft
has been improving their policies since the Xbox 360. Still, because of
the precedent they set, they can always change their agreements at any
time. Retail certification? Yeah, that can be useful for end users. Platform certification? Big problems.
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