Microsoft has confirmed the Xbox One will allow self-publishing for independent developers.

Retail systems will also double as development kits, which means all Xbox One consoles purchased in stores can be used for game development and testing.

Xbox corporate VP Marc Whitten told Engadget, "Our vision is that every person can be a creator. That every Xbox One can be used for development.

That every game and experience can take advantage of all of the features of Xbox One and Xbox LIVE. This means self-publishing. This means Kinect, the cloud, achievements. This means great discoverability on Xbox LIVE. We'll have more details on the program and the timeline at Gamescom in August."

The Xbox One is slated to be released November 2013.