The gaming scene is in a very strange place right now. While Microsoft has abandoned the idea of console exclusives and began to embrace its competition, we're seeing Valve re-enter the console market with its Steam Machine after its initial run didn't do so hot in the mid-2010s.

While Valve is working on its newest hardware, it seems that Microsoft wants to make its software department a lot more alluring. As such, the company has now published all the stuff developers need to get on their games running on Xbox.

Microsoft opens the gates for developers to publish games on Xbox

In a post on the Microsoft Game Dev website, the company explains what it's planning with getting developers to publish their games with the Redmond giant. The spotlight announcement is the "Game publishing documentation", which everyone can now access to their heart's desire. I haven't had to think about publishing a game on Xbox for years now, but by the sounds of it, there were some barriers that may have put people off of shipping their games to Microsoft's service, which have now been removed.

So, what can you expect from access to this documentation? Well, the company has been hard at work at making it as complete as possible:

This is not a one-off change. We’ll continue to improve and grow our documentation, so every developer has the information they need to bring their game to Xbox. As we update requirements, streamline workflows, and add new features, the public guide will evolve alongside you.

Our recent updates include:

• Refreshed onboarding guidance, taking you through the ID@Xbox sign up process and creation of your first game in Microsoft Partner Center.
• Wish List, pre-order and release configuration guidance.
• Updated guidance for participation in the Xbox Insider Program, enabling players to engage with your game before release.
• New information about Xbox Certification and the test services available to you.

While Microsoft never mentions the service by name, it does feel like the company wants to try its hand at becoming a serious competitor to Steam. It doesn't seem like Microsoft is particularly hostile to Valve's storefront; in fact, we've seen Microsoft include Steam's library with its new Xbox PC app (even if some people find it lacking).

It's more likely that Microsoft wants to combine its recent drive to turn any internet-connected device into an Xbox with a storefront that offers the latest and greatest games. That way, people choose to buy games on Microsoft's shop, which they can then on anything they like. Still, we'll have to wait and see if this move will prompt more people to publish their games via Xbox.