Team Meat slams Microsoft, praises Steam

If there was ever any doubt in the Xbox fanboy mind that Microsoft isn't only concerned about profit and greed, this story is sure to shake foundations.  Next-gen is reporting on an interview by Indiegames (delivered via podcast) with Team Meet founder Tommy Refenes.  Tommy was quite vocal about their disappointment with Microsoft and Xbox Live Arcade.  Considered one of the premier indy launch titles on XBLA, Super Meat Boy has already reached cult status with gamers although the initial sales momentum has long since disappaited. 

Most people will agree that, as with all things game-wise, after a while the interest drops so you need to boost sales again with a nicely-promoted discount; something that Microsoft has employed on many occassions with older XBLA titles.  Team Meat has been badgering Microsoft for months to include 'Super Meat Boy' in one of their many sales but despite being pestered monthly, Microsoft has refused without explanation or dialogue.  Steam, on the other hand " is a fucking powerhouse" according to Tommy Refenes.  He spoke very fondly of Gabe Newell's PC-based distribution platform saying that nothing compares to it nor the support its people lend developers such as Team Meat.

When asked about their relationship with Microsoft, Refenes indicated "I don't think we'll work with them ever again."  Considering the industry buzz that Team Meat has created with their initial offering, this represents a potentially huge loss for Microsoft and continues to raise concern over who is really running Microsoft's Xbox division and whether they have any clue what they are doing...or worse, do they even care?