We told you a couple of weeks ago that Microsoft had decided it wouldn’t be paying any of its Windows Phone 7 developers until February 2011, which meant that some developers would have to wait almost five months to get paid.
It seems as Microsoft has had a change of heart, and they have just announced that they will start paying Windows Phone 7 developers from January 2011.
Back in October I shared that developer payouts for app and game sales would begin in February. We are pleased to now announce that the first payouts for Windows Phone 7 sales will be made in the 4th week of January 2011. This payout will include payment for all sales of Windows Phone 7 apps and games that occurred after the phones became available in October 2010 through the end of December 2010. After January 2011, developer payouts will be processed on a monthly basis for all combined sales of Windows Phone 6.x and Windows Phone 7 apps for those developers who meet the minimum payout threshold limits.
Impact on Developers
This change in Microsoft’s payment schedule is a significant relief for developers who have invested time and resources into creating apps for the Windows Phone 7 platform. Initially, the delay in payments until February 2011 was a major concern, as it meant that developers would have to wait almost five months to see any financial return on their efforts. This could have potentially discouraged developers from continuing to support the platform, which would have been detrimental to its growth and popularity.
By moving the payment date up to January 2011, Microsoft is demonstrating a commitment to its developer community. This decision will likely foster goodwill and encourage more developers to create apps for the platform, knowing that they will be compensated in a timely manner. It also shows that Microsoft is responsive to the needs and concerns of its developers, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant app ecosystem.
Monthly Payouts and Future Prospects
Starting from January 2011, Microsoft will process developer payouts on a monthly basis for all combined sales of Windows Phone 6.x and Windows Phone 7 apps. This regular payment schedule is a positive step towards ensuring that developers have a steady stream of income, which can help them plan and manage their finances more effectively. Meeting the minimum payout threshold limits will be essential for developers to receive their payments, but the monthly schedule provides a predictable and reliable payment structure.
The decision to include sales from both Windows Phone 6.x and Windows Phone 7 apps in the monthly payouts is also noteworthy. It indicates that Microsoft is not only focusing on its latest platform but also supporting developers who are still creating and maintaining apps for the older version. This inclusive approach can help bridge the gap between the two platforms and ensure a smoother transition for developers and users alike.
In conclusion, while the initial delay in payments was a setback, Microsoft’s decision to start paying developers from January 2011 and implement a monthly payout schedule is a step in the right direction. It shows that the company values its developer community and is willing to make changes to support them. This move is likely to boost developer confidence and encourage more innovation and creativity within the Windows Phone ecosystem, ultimately benefiting users with a wider range of high-quality apps and games.
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