In a significant move to foster innovation and inclusivity within its ecosystem, Microsoft has announced the removal of all onboarding fees for individual developers looking to publish applications on the Microsoft Store. This change, set to take effect next month, positions the Microsoft Store as a pioneer among global digital storefronts by eliminating the financial barriers that have traditionally hindered many aspiring creators.
Empowering Individual Developers
According to a recent post on the Windows Developer blog, individual developers will now have the opportunity to publish their applications without the need for a credit card, thereby streamlining the onboarding process. This initiative aims to create a more accessible platform, allowing a broader range of developers to innovate and share their creations within the Windows ecosystem. As highlighted by Microsoft, “By eliminating these one-time fees, Microsoft is creating a more inclusive and accessible platform that empowers more developers to innovate, share and thrive.”
While company accounts will still incur a fee, the new policy opens the door for anyone with access to a Windows 10 or 11 device, as well as an Xbox console, to utilize the built-in developer mode. This mode enables users to run and create unsigned applications, further enhancing the potential for software development.
A New Era for Software Distribution
This development also positions the Microsoft Store as a more robust repository for software that is frequently downloaded via web browsers. Popular applications such as GIMP and Mp3tag can now find a home within the Store, enhancing its appeal to users seeking reliable software solutions.
In addition to the fee elimination, Microsoft has outlined improvements in discovery, delivery, and user acquisition processes, which are detailed in the full blog post. For those interested in exploring Xbox’s developer mode and the intricacies of app publishing, additional resources are available through the provided links.
It is worth noting that while developer mode has been embraced by the gaming community for running emulation software on consoles, it still operates within the confines of the deprecated UWP application platform. This limitation may affect the capabilities of applications designed for Xbox consoles. Furthermore, games must adhere to specific channels to be eligible for publication on the console storefront.
