[hobofan]

> Developers are not required to participate in that program to sell games/software for the xBox, and some don't

They may not be required to take part in the standard distribution licensing program, but instead have the option of participating in ID@XBOX, where the games still have to be certified by MS to be allowed on the platform. This program also seems to be exclusive to digital distribution and smaller indie studios.

In the end MS is still always in a position to take revenue cuts for access to their platform, and mostly exercises it.