Microsoft is opening the Xbox 360 to third-party software creators in a bold attempt to dramatically expand the number of games available on its platform. The goal is to give gaming aficionados far more choices than rivals Sony and Nintendo are offering.

Taking a page from the playbooks of social-networking sites such as YouTube and Facebook, which have expanded provided custom software from third-party developers, Microsoft said it will start offering independently produced games to its Xbox Live community in

advance of the holiday shopping season.

“Not only are we democratizing game development with Xbox LIVE Community Games later that year, but we’re creating an opportunity for aspiring developers to start their careers on the world stage,” said Chris Satchell, chief technology officer for Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business group.

Innovative and Quirky

According to Satchell, independently created games that successfully navigate a rigorous community peer-review system will be […]

Orginal post by Top Tech News