Xbox Just Announced A New Demo Event For Independent Video Games

The gaming world has evolved tremendously over the past few generations, from the 4-bit Atari 2600 to the hyperrealistic, interactive titles of today. Aside from better graphics, one of the major advancements in recent years has been the rise of independent game developers.

Now, one of the industry’s biggest names is spotlighting some of them.

The fun starts on Tuesday

Between December 10 and the end of the year, Xbox is going to be hosting what it calls an Indie Game Fest Demo Event. Basically, participants will have an opportunity to download dozens of indie titles and play some video games they might not have otherwise even known were coming.

But don’t get the wrong idea about the term “demo.” Xbox advises that, unlike the demos available on consoles via the Microsoft Store, the games included in the upcoming event aren’t taken from a fully (or nearly) completed version of a full game.

“Think of these as ‘show floor demos’ and not necessarily indicative of the final product,” the company said of the indie demos. “You’ll get to experience these games early — some way early — which gives you the chance to provide your feedback!”

A few things to remember

It might sound like all fun and games, but Xbox wants participants to be aware of a few ground rules and restrictions before diving in.

For starters, demos will be available to download through the Xbox Dashboard, but they won’t be there forever.

“Some might be re-published to the Demo channel later, but many will disappear at the end of the month, so be sure to check them out while you can,” Xbox advised.

One important step players can take, the company concluded, involves reaching out to developers “on social media or through their websites” to share feedback and/or constructive criticism.

Chris Agee December 7th, 2024

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