> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://devdocs.xbox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# XBOX Game Development Documentation

> Build and publish games for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, and Windows PC using the XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK), PlayFab, and XBOX services.

This site documents how to build and publish games for **XBOX Series X|S consoles**, **XBOX One family consoles**, and **Windows PC**. Follow the four steps below in order, from a game idea to a build running on hardware.

## 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.

For any term you don't recognize, see the [Glossary](/home/glossary).

## The four-step path

<Steps>
  <Step title="Join ID@XBOX to get build permission" icon="id-card">
    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.

    <Card title="Start ID@XBOX onboarding" icon="arrow-right" href="/home/onboarding">
      Every step, in order, with expected timing.
    </Card>

    <Tip>
      If you're already onboarded and set up, go directly to the [Getting Started guides](/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles) and select your path.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the tools" icon="download">
    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.

    <Card title="Set up and install the GDK" icon="arrow-right" href="/home/setup-install/get-started">
      What the GDK is, and a step-by-step install.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build your first project" icon="play">
    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.

    <Card title="Build your first title" icon="arrow-right" href="/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles">
      Project templates and your first build.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick your Getting Started guide" icon="compass">
    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.

    <Card title="Browse Getting Started guides" icon="arrow-right" href="/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles">
      Seven curated paths. Select the one that fits your project.
    </Card>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common scoping questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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](/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles) in step 4.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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](/paths/porting/overview), or go directly to your source platform: [From Steam](/paths/porting/from-steam), [From a prior XBOX generation](/paths/porting/from-xbox-era), [From other platforms](/paths/porting/from-console), or [From PC (non-Steam)](/paths/porting/from-pc).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Documentation sections

After your Getting Started guide points you deeper into the docs, use these sections:

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Build" icon="code" href="/home/setup-install/get-started">
    GDK topics: game configuration, packaging, saves, input, networking, and cross-device development.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Services" icon="server" href="/services/xbox-services/index">
    XBOX services and PlayFab: identity, achievements, multiplayer, economy, and live-ops.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Console features" icon="tv" href="/build/console-features/index">
    Quick Resume, DirectStorage, Smart Delivery, and other console-only capabilities.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tools" icon="screwdriver-wrench" href="/tools/index">
    Visual Studio setup, XBOX service tools, profilers, and diagnostics.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Publishing and commerce" icon="store" href="/publishing/game-publishing/overview">
    Certification, XR requirements, store listing, pricing, and submission.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API reference" icon="brackets-curly" href="/reference/system/gc-reference-system-toc">
    Gaming Runtime, XBOX services, and platform APIs.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Quick links

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Download the GDK" icon="download" href="/home/setup-install/download-install">
    Requires ID\@XBOX access.
  </Card>

  <Card title="GDK samples" icon="github" href="https://github.com/microsoft/Xbox-GDK-Samples">
    Buildable samples on GitHub.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Error codes" icon="circle-exclamation" href="/reference/errorcodes">
    GDK and XBOX services error lookup.
  </Card>
</Columns>


## Related topics

- [Console features for the XBOX Game Development Kit](/build/console-features/index.md)
- [Introduction to Microsoft Game Development Kit networking](/build/console-features/networking/introduction-networking.md)
- [XBOX GDK audio overviews and tools](/build/console-features/audio/index.md)
- [Setting up your XBOX Development Kit for streaming](/build/core-features/common/game-streaming/game-streaming-setup-xbox-developer-kit.md)
- [NDA topics index for XBOX GDK console development](/nda/nda-overview.md)