While big-name AAA titles often dominate the spotlight in the gaming industry, some of the best games around are indies — smaller-scale titles from independent studios made with tighter, less grandiose ambitions. These are considered by many to be the lifeblood of the business, as their limited scope and lack of oversight from publishers looking to maximize profit allow developers to explore creative ideas with less risk.
Microsoft and Xbox have long supported the indie game scene with ID@Xbox, a program that helps independent studios get access to Xbox development kits and elevates the visibility of their projects with marketing assistance.
