[soemarko]

This is a super confusing move from Microsoft.

First, don't they want indie game developers to jump to Windows phones and tablets? I'd presume Microsoft could (if not already) let developers to code once and publish everywhere that speaks Microsoft, no?

Second, Walking Dead game was crowned 2012 of the year by many publications, and my personal game of the year Journey, both are technically indie? Shouldn't that mattered?

Sigh, as usual, I'll just vote with my wallet.

[Lewisham]

Also, Walking Dead's episodic format was at risk by Microsoft's XBLA release policy, where publishers are given slots that they can have, and you don't get any more (think like airstrip use at an airport). So they had to end-run it by having each episode as DLC, rather than getting a new announcement and a stand-alone program.

Microsoft's old policies were workable but obnoxious. Instead of opening things up, they're making it worse. Nuts.

[JackpotDen]

The reason we have this is that apple have proven you can get away with the walled garden. Now it's microsoft's turn to do it.

NB : they are both doing bad things.