>>Last Updated 8/07/09
What are Xbox Live Indie Games?
Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLI) are independently-developed downloadable games for Xbox 360. They are smaller in scope than retail disc games or even Xbox Live Arcade games. There are two price brackets - the newer price bracket has games costing 80, 240, or 400 Microsoft points ($1, $3, or $5, respectively) - the older price bracket is being phased out, but the costs are 200, 400, or 800 Microsoft points ($2.50, $5, or $10, respectively). Games are as of now no larger than 150 MB. All XBL Indie Games have a trial mode so you can try before you buy. They are capable of supporting most Xbox 360 features including online multiplayer and custom soundtracks, however they do not support achievements.
What happened to Xbox Live Community Games?
Xbox Live Community Games are the same as XBLI games. Microsoft changed the name of Community Games to Indie Games at the end of July 2009. The goal was to rebrand the service and give it a more appropriate and appealing name.
Why have another type of game?
After development is complete, Xbox 360 titles go through a rigorous certification process that can take weeks or even months. They also require developers to qualify for and purchase expensive development kits. The Indie Games service is designed for individuals and start-ups to establish themselves at low cost. Games go through a simplified peer review process and can go online within a day of completion. The side effect is that many XBLI Games are ugly, glitchy, boring disasters.
Where do I get them?
Currently, XBLI Games are in the Game Marketplace section of the Xbox 360 dashboard under "Indie Games."
There's so many, where do I start?
With over 350 titles, and more coming every day, it's basically a nightmare to find out what's worth your time without any help. Luckily, XBLI has you covered. Here are some of the most noteworthy XBLI Games currently available. Simply click on the links and you'll be taken directly to the marketplace on Xbox.com:
What are XBLI Trial Rundowns?
XBLI Trial Rundowns are weekly features where we give our two cents on each XBLI release. These are based on the demos because we can't afford to buy everything. Each game is given a rating which is pretty self-explanatory, but here's a rough idea of what each score means:
A green smile means you should definitely check out this game. It's likely to be worth a purchase. A game that receives this score could be a simple, but brilliant idea that lasts half an hour, or a polished and robust product that offers endless fun. It's not about quantity on XBLI, but quality and new ideas.
The yellow face implies that this title is either flawed or conceptually lacking. Often, a game is fun, but it's something that's been done a million times. Sometimes, a game is enjoyable, but glitchy or graphically unappealing. If it's a lifestyle app, even a good lifestyle app, it'll receive this score unless it's genuinely useful. Any game that receives a yellow face is at least worth downloading the demo.
The sad face is where we save you some time. Any game that receives this score is either broken, boring, or an attempt to rip you off. Thanks to the low barrier to entry, many XBLI titles will be graced with our patented sad face. Avoid these titles at all costs.How can I make my own XBLI Game?
Game development is one of the most technical and demanding jobs out there. So to say that making a Community Game is really easy is a relative statement. Here are the bare-minimum requirements:
We also recommend that you bring the following to the table:
I made a game, how can I get it reviewed on XBLI.net?
Email me, Joe, via RedRingCircus@gmail.com. If you can provide a review copy, that would be great. Otherwise we'll figure something out. Just be prepared to get a fair, critical, and opinionated review, whatever that may entail.
Hey Joe, I like your site, can I hire you?
Yes! Yes you can! Anyone interested in my work either here or at RedRingCircus.com should contact me via RedRingCircus@gmail.com.
