Products this applies to
- XBOX Series X|S consoles
- XBOX One family consoles
- Windows PC
Key terms
- XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK): XBOX’s free toolkit for building XBOX and Windows games.
- ID@XBOX: The program that grants independent studios GDK access and permission to publish on XBOX.
- Partner Center: The Microsoft developer portal where you register your studio and submit your finished game.
- Dev kit: An XBOX console configured for development. You don’t need one to start.
The four-step path
Join ID@XBOX to get build permission
Before you can download the GDK or publish a game, XBOX must verify your studio. You submit a short application, sign a confidentiality agreement, and get your game concept approved. Joining ID@XBOX is free.Plan for at least two weeks. Most of that time is XBOX review.
Start ID@XBOX onboarding
Every step, in order, with expected timing.
Install the tools
Set up your Windows PC with three components: Visual Studio for code editing, the Windows SDK for Windows programming APIs, and the XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK) for XBOX programming APIs. Build a sample game to confirm your setup works.
Set up and install the GDK
What the GDK is, and a step-by-step install.
Build your first project
Open Visual Studio, select an XBOX project template, and build a minimal title. Use this build to verify that your toolchain, project template, and hardware target work end to end.
Build your first title
Project templates and your first build.
Pick your Getting Started guide
Select the guide that matches what you’re building. Choose a target device (XBOX Series X|S consoles, Windows PC and ROG XBOX Ally, or both through Play Anywhere), an engine you already use (Unreal, Unity, Godot, GameMaker, or a custom engine), or a porting path if you’ve already shipped elsewhere.
Browse Getting Started guides
Seven curated paths. Select the one that fits your project.
Common scoping questions
I'm a solo developer or an indie studio. Is XBOX development for me?
I'm a solo developer or an indie studio. Is XBOX development for me?
Yes. ID@XBOX supports indie studios and solo developers. There is no cost to join, and the tools (GDK, Visual Studio, PlayFab) are the same tools large studios use. You can develop entirely on a Windows PC. You need a dev kit only when you’re ready to test on XBOX hardware.
I use Unity, Unreal, or Godot. Do I still need the GDK?
I use Unity, Unreal, or Godot. Do I still need the GDK?
Yes, but you rarely interact with it directly. Your engine calls the GDK for you. You still install the GDK on your PC so the engine can package your game for XBOX and use XBOX features such as achievements and cloud saves. Select your engine’s Getting Started guide in step 4.
I already have a PC or Steam game. Can I port it?
I already have a PC or Steam game. Can I port it?
Yes. Porting is often faster than starting from scratch because your gameplay code is already written. Start with the Porting path, or go directly to your source platform: From Steam, From a prior XBOX generation, From other platforms, or From PC (non-Steam).
What operating system and hardware do I need?
What operating system and hardware do I need?
You need a 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC and about 30 GB of free space for the GDK. No XBOX console is required to start. You can build and test Play Anywhere PC builds locally. When you’re ready to test on XBOX hardware, order a dev kit through Partner Center.
Documentation sections
After your Getting Started guide points you deeper into the docs, use these sections:Build
GDK topics: game configuration, packaging, saves, input, networking, and cross-device development.
Services
XBOX services and PlayFab: identity, achievements, multiplayer, economy, and live-ops.
Console features
Quick Resume, DirectStorage, Smart Delivery, and other console-only capabilities.
Tools
Visual Studio setup, XBOX service tools, profilers, and diagnostics.
Publishing and commerce
Certification, XR requirements, store listing, pricing, and submission.
API reference
Gaming Runtime, XBOX services, and platform APIs.
Quick links
Download the GDK
Requires ID@XBOX access.
GDK samples
Buildable samples on GitHub.
Error codes
GDK and XBOX services error lookup.