Pid is a self-published platformer coming to PSN, Steam, and XBLA. According to developer Might and Delight, getting a game on XBLA without bringing on an outside publisher requires a little extra effort.
While Might and Delight can release their game on the other two platforms without problem, they have to "rent" from an existing Microsoft-approved publisher to feature Pid on XBLA.
According to The PA Report, when Microsoft greenlights developers to publish on XBLA, they're given a predetermined number of slots to sell their games. Instead of using the total space, some companies have chosen to pawn their remaining slots to other developers, typically in exchange for partial profits.
For games like Pid, developers "borrowing" slots must pay dues to both the original slot owners and Microsoft for using XBLA, so Might and Delight is facing a double loss. However, they can at least avoid legalities associated with traditional publishing deals.
Microsoft, on the other hand, is denying the existence of these partnerships. “There are no ‘slot allotments’ to speak of," said a representative. "Ultimately, it’s a relationship between the developer and the publisher – the publisher comes to us with a game they want to publish, and Microsoft looks at the calendar and work with them on a release date.”
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