Back in March, Microsoft announced the Xbox Live Creators Program, finally opening up the Xbox One to anyone that wants to develop a game for the console. Games made in the Program, grouped in the Creators Collection, went live to Alpha ring Insiders in July, but now they're available to everyone.
But most of these games aren't just for the Xbox One; you can play them on Windows 10 as well. In fact, some of them even work on Windows phones, which is a rare treat for users of the struggling platform.
Here's what you can find in the Creators Collection today:
Animal Rivals [$4.99], Blue Sunset Games: Animal Rivals is an action-packed couch party game for one to four players. Drop into the game and fight for the Animalonia’s throne as one of the furry contenders in different mini-games and locations. Game itself presents a unique art style mixing the cartoonish looks and satire approach. (Xbox One, Windows 10)
Block Dropper [$4.99, on sale for $0.99], Tresiris Games: Block Dropper is a fast paced, arcade style, 3D platformer. Try not to fall as you guide your character through the challenging single player mode or grab a friend to battle head to head in a local multiplayer Block Battle Arena. Tresiris is a small game studio based in Olathe, Kansas, who create fun and simple games with quality as their top priority. (Xbox One, Windows 10)
Crystal Brawl [free], Studio Mercato: Gauntlet meets NBA Jam in Crystal Brawl, a 2v2 capture-the-flag local multiplayer game that melds fast action with MOBA-like strategy. Choose from a variety of characters with different abilities, with a notable twist: each character has a unique ability that alters the terrain. Experiment with different character combinations to uncover hidden strategies! Studio Mercato is an independent game studio based in New York City. (Xbox One, Windows 10)
Derelict Fleet [$9.99], Bionic Pony: Derelict Fleet is a fast-paced space combat game. You are tasked with defending a refugee fleet as you travel the stars searching for a new colony to call home. Bionic Pony is a small indie studio based in Tampa, FL that started making Xbox Live indie games in 2010. (Xbox One)
ERMO [free], Nonostante: ERMO is a relaxing puzzle game featured with a calming and peaceful graphics. Immerse yourself in the landscapes and colors of ERMO and let you be carried away. You will learn the rules in a few seconds, but ERMO will catch you for hours. (Xbox One)
GalactiMAX! [free], ONLYUSEmeFEET: In the vast darkness of space, GalactiMAX has the player shooting aliens for points to pierce the heavens in classic arcade shooter action! As more aliens are defeated, the player’s ship will increase in size and power. How big can this ship get?! (Xbox One, Windows 10)
kubic [free], Pixel Envision Ltd: kubic is a relaxing optical illusion puzzle game based on M.C. Escher’s art, impossible objects and other geometric designs. The object is to construct the goal configuration from a number of pieces. (Xbox One, Windows 10 [including Mobile and Holographic])
Space Cat! [free], GershGamesLLC: Shoot your way past an onslaught of enemies and bosses. Collect weapon upgrades like missiles, bombs, laser beams and much more. GershGamesLLC is a group of young hobbyists that makes for fun on the weekends. (Xbox One, Windows 10)
Stereo Aereo [$3.99], The Stonebot Studio: Stereo Aereo is an action rhythm game that is inspired by the pop-culture influences of the 80’s. You, the player, have to make sure that the mediocre space rockband Stereo Aereo, gets to their life changing concert, on time, in this comic styled sci-fi game. (Xbox One, Windows 10 [including Mobile and Holographic)
Unfortunately, games made in the Creators Program won't be able to use Achievements, Gamerscore, or internet multiplayer, although they can access the full range of social features available through Xbox Live. These include "sign-in and presence, use of your Gamertag, leaderboards, access to your Activity Feed, Game Hubs, Clubs, Party Chat, Game DVR, and broadcasting on Mixer." In order to use the full range of features, developers will need to apply to ID@Xbox, as they always have.
Still, the Program allows game developers to publish to the Xbox One in a way that they have never been able to before. It was with the Anniversary Update over a year ago that Microsoft opened up the console to UWP apps, but games were still off the table.
On the Xbox One, you can find Creators Collection games by finding the menu option in the Store. On Windows 10, you'll need to go to the Games tab, and if you do find the Creators Collection filter, nothing comes up at the moment. Of course, you can get all of the games announced today from the links above.
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