As the indie movement progressed games started to become more and more complex, alongside an increase in production values. Mark of the Ninja, by Klei Entertainment, was so impressive in its early stages that Microsoft signed the game up for an exclusivity contract of six months before it could release on any other platform or console.

The game is a beautiful 2D stealth experience with some amazing and complex mechanics. The game released to huge critical praise and, even though it was exclusive to Microsoft’s console it sold extremely well during that limited contract – before moving over to PC, where additional content arrived alongside it. The game made its way up the sales charts at release and since then has seen numerous sales boost Mark of the Ninja’s popularity with players, with many clamouring for a second game. The game’s contract, though, means that the rights remain firmly with Microsoft.