Microsoft has just started an independent developer initiative, apparently named the Independent Developers @ Xbox program, with a focus to support free-to-play, microtransactions, and premium pricing models.

The program was outlined last week and will be launched along with the upcoming Xbox console later this year.

“On Xbox One, games that come through ID@Xbox are no different than any other game. If you can do it with an Xbox One game, you can do it with anything that comes through the ID@Xbox program. That’s like a fundamental tenet of the program. They have full Gamerscore, full Achievements, can take advantage of SmartGlass, Kinect- if you can do it with an Xbox One game, you can do it with anything that comes through the ID@Xbox program,” said Chris Charla, Microsoft’s Portfolio Director for digital games.

Microsoft has invited the developers to apply for the program at www.xbox.com/id, and those accepted will receive two development kits for free and become registered Xbox One developers. In addition, the program will allow independent developers to use retail Xbox One consoles as developer kits and self-publish on the next-gen console sometime post-launch.

Talking about some of the other Microsoft’s initiatives, one of the hottest topics is the $1.17 billion Microsoft-Nokia deal, which several people regard as a desperate move for Microsoft to catch up in the mobile market while others see this as the company’s last attempt to make Windows Phone matter. In addition to Nokia’s Devices & Services division and Nokia’s patents, Microsoft has also got Stephen Elop, Nokia’s ex-CEO onboard, taking on the role of vice president of Nokia’s Devices & Services division.