Broforce not heading to Xbox One due to Microsoft's parity clause

Broforce developers Free Lives Games have revealed that their 80s-flavoured indie side-scroller won't be released on Xbox One due to Microsoft's own indie game policy.

The cult-favourite-in-waiting has already proven a success during its Early Access period on Steam and is now nearing its full release, which will see it also head to Sony's PlayStation 4 and PS Vita.

Speaking to GamingBolt, Creative Director Evan Greenwood said: "As far as I know Microsoft has a clause in their contract where they won't accept an indie game if it launches on Xbox after PlayStation."

Greenwood also describes their deal with Sony as something they "couldn't possibly refuse."

Microsoft's parity clause is well known and has proven controversial with indie developers. It has also seen a number of titles become exclusive to Sony's platforms.

The clause isn't iron-clad however. Horror game Outlast was released on Xbox One after already being available on PS4, which only makes Microsoft's continued enforcement of the policy that much more baffling.

Broforce is a hyper-active side-scrolling platformer that casts players as thinly-veiled homages to famous action icons like Rambo, Die Hard's John McClane, Chuck Norris, the Terminator, and Robocop – each with bro-themed names like Rambro.

The game also has environments, which blends well with the running and gunning gameplay to create a very energetic indie title. It has also proven a firm favourite on YouTube.

No firm release date has yet been given to Broforce, but it will be released later this year.

You can watch a trailer for the game below...