As for XBLIG being a “training ground”… I think if the review process were tightened up and taken more seriously, and if developers actually sought and used feedback, people would have a completely different perception of the marketplace. Yes, there are plenty of developers I’ve come across who put out quality titles and use the XBLIG marketplace to the best of its abilities, but that’s the exception. This is what happens when you let inmates run the asylum.

I agree wholeheartedly with 1BK’s point about trials. On Xbox Live Indie Games, the trial version of your game is what will win or lose you a sale. I’m always impressed when a developer builds a proper trial into their game rather than just letting you play for eight minutes.

It’s a shame that XBLIG is a training ground for new developers – there’s no reason indie games can’t work just as well here as on PC. Having said that, it’s a valuable resource to be able to go through the whole process of developing and releasing a game without having to try and persuade someone to fund it or distribute it for you. I think it’s definitely of paramount importance to have realistic (i.e. very modest) expectations about the financial returns.