Dashboard update gives XBLIG a boost

A new Xbox Live dashboard update has given its Indie Games category more visibility after recent criticisms from developers.

"As you've now noticed, the Xbox Live Marketplace was updated to change the way games are surfaced to customers," a Microsoft statement shown to Eurogamer.

"Microsoft is continually working to better organise our digital game content on the platform and your feedback played a part in that. Part of this new organisation means that Xbox Live Indie Games now has a tile on the top level of the marketplace right next to Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Games on Demand."

The update, which currently only applies to North American users of the service, also adds more categories such as new releases and top download that should make it easier for gamers to discover new content.

"This update is something we are extremely excited about as it really brings Xbox Live Indie Games to a higher level of visibility in the dashboard. We believe these changes will help even more gamers find and experience the great offerings you've all developed for Xbox Live Indie Games."

It was Fun Infused Games' Kris Steele who recently accused Microsoft of burying indie titles in the dashboard layout, using sales figures from his own games to show how negatively the recent update had affected his business.

Double Fine's Tim Schafer also recently shared his concerns about the relationship between indie developers and platform holders.