> ## 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 publishing readiness checklist

> A publishing readiness checklist for XBOX creators to validate Partner Center settings, metadata, packages, and release schedule before launch.

Before you publish your game on XBOX consoles and XBOX on PC, review your Partner Center configuration carefully. This checklist helps you validate your settings, metadata, and release schedule so you can publish with confidence.

## Before you begin

This checklist assumes that:

* You're signed in to Partner Center.
* You're viewing the game you want to review.
* You have permission to edit all modules, including **Store listings**, **Pricing and availability**, **Properties**, **Gaming metadata**, and **Packages**.

This checklist focuses on Game products. You should also validate any **Bundles** or **Add-ons** that release alongside your game.

<Warning>
  Make sure your configuration accurately represents the product available to customers. For more information, review the XBOX Games Store Policy in the [XBOX Publisher Guide](https://aka.ms/xboxpublisherguide) and [Microsoft Store Policies - 10.1 Distinct Function & Value; Accurate Representation](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/apps/publish/store-policies#101-distinct-function--value-accurate-representation).
</Warning>

## Step 1: Game setup

Complete these checks in the [**Game setup**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/game-setup-overview) module.

1. Confirm that **Retail** is selected for each supported platform:
   * Select **Desktop** for XBOX on PC.
   * Select **XBOX** for console releases.

## Step 2: Packages

Complete these checks in the [**Packages**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/packages-overview) module.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm that certified packages exist for each supported platform.">
    Confirm that certified packages exist for each supported platform. A banner is displayed on the [branch](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/branches) and shows the certification result.

    * XBOX console: approved **.xvc** package for XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, or both.
    * XBOX on PC: approved **.msixvc** package.
    * If packages failed certification:
    * Review the certification report.
    * Fix all **BVT Failure** and **CFR** issues.
    * Build, test, and submit a new package.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import certified packages to the **Main** branch if they're in another branch.">
    Import certified packages to the **Main** branch if they're in another branch. Skip this step if the packages are already in the **Main** branch.

    * Select the **Main** branch, then **Import**, and choose the source branch.
    * Only the **Main** branch publishes to the **RETAIL** sandbox.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm that **Contains placeholder packages to enable pre-order** isn't sele...">
    Confirm that **Contains placeholder packages to enable pre-order** isn't selected unless required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If applicable, confirm that **Availability** and **Predownload** dates are co...">
    If applicable, confirm that **Availability** and **Predownload** dates are correct.

    * For more information, see [Packages - advanced settings](/publishing/game-publishing/how-to/how-to-manage-advanced-settings-for-packages#package-availability-and-predownload-dates).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Properties

Complete these checks in the [**Properties**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/properties-overview) module.

### Basic Info

1. Confirm that all **Basic info** settings are complete and accurate:
   * Includes **Player modes**, **Accessibility testing**, and **Online gameplay requirements**.
   * Only select options your game supports.

For more information, see [Properties - Basic info](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/properties-basic-info).

### Technical Capabilities

1. Confirm that all **Technical capabilities** are accurate:
   * Includes **4K**, **Optimized for XBOX Series X|S**, **XBOX Play Anywhere**, and **Removable storage**.
   * Only select options your game supports.
2. If you release on PC, confirm PC-specific settings:
   * Includes **Input Devices** and **Minimum and recommended specifications**.
   * Don't configure these settings for console-only titles.

For more information, see [Properties - Technical capabilities](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/properties-technical-capabilities).

### XBOX services

1. Confirm that **XBOX services** settings match your game's features:
   * **Achievements** are required for full games on XBOX consoles and PC. For more information, see [XR-055](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/gaming/gdk/docs/store/policies/Console/certification-requirements#xr-055-achievements-and-gamerscore-).
   * Achievements aren't required for Game Preview, betas, or demos.

For more information, see [Properties overview](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/properties-overview#xbox-services).

## Step 4: Age ratings

Complete these checks in the [**Age ratings**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/age-ratings) module.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm that the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) questionnaire is c...">
    Confirm that the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) questionnaire is complete and accurate.

    * Retake the questionnaire if your answers change.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If you upload rating certificates:">
    If you upload rating certificates:

    * Confirm the rating value and descriptors match your configuration.
    * Confirm the rating is valid for all platforms.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review any warnings on the page.">
    Review any warnings on the page. You might need to retake the questionnaire or remove release markets.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm that ratings exist for all markets configured in **Pricing and availa...">
    Confirm that ratings exist for all markets configured in **Pricing and availability**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For more information, see:

* [Age Ratings](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/age-ratings).
* [XR-017: Age Ratings](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/gaming/gdk/docs/store/policies/XR/XR017).

## Step 5: Store listings

Complete these checks in the [**Store listings**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/store-listing) module.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm that all required languages show as **Complete**.">
    Confirm that all required languages show as **Complete**.

    * Follow the XBOX Games Store policy available in the [XBOX Publisher Guide](https://aka.ms/xboxpublisherguide), and your Microsoft agreements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm that the listings are certified.">
    Confirm that the listings are certified. A banner is displayed on the branch and shows the certification result.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import certified listings to the **Main** branch if they're in another branch.">
    Import certified listings to the **Main** branch if they're in another branch. Skip this step if the listings are already in the **Main** branch.

    * Select **Export** from the source branch to generate an .xlsx file.
    * Select **Import** to upload the .xlsx file.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 6: Pricing and availability

Complete these checks in the [**Pricing and availability**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/availability/availability-overview) module.

### Markets and availability

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select **Show markets** and confirm all intended markets are included.">
    Select **Show markets** and confirm all intended markets are included.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If needed, configure Private audience.">
    If needed, configure [Private audience](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/availability/visibility-audiences). If enabled, only specified users can access the product details page (PDP) in the Microsoft Store.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the correct **Discoverability** option is selected.">
    Confirm the correct **Discoverability** option is selected.

    * If **available and discoverable in the Microsoft Store** is selected, confirm the **Schedule**:
    * **Release** is the date the game is available to play.
    * **Pre-order** is the date the game can be pre-ordered.
    * **Discoverable in the Microsoft Store** is the date the game can be found by searching or viewing collections.
    * **Stop acquisition** is the date the game can't be purchased.
    * **No longer discoverable** is the date the game can't be found by searching or viewing collections.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm that **Display release date** isn't enabled unless recommended by Mic...">
    Confirm that **Display release date** isn't enabled unless recommended by Microsoft.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For more information, see [How-to: Visible and purchasable products](/publishing/game-publishing/how-to/how-to-visible-release).

### Pricing and trials

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm the **Base price**.">
    Confirm the **Base price**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If you don't customize pricing for specific markets, select **Review price pe...">
    If you don't customize pricing for specific markets, select **Review price per market** and validate automatic price conversions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If you customize pricing for specific markets, confirm all market-specific pr...">
    If you customize pricing for specific markets, confirm all market-specific prices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If you offer a **Free trial**, confirm:">
    If you offer a **Free trial**, confirm:

    * The trial type.
    * The trial duration (if applicable).
    * The **Start** and **End** dates.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For more information, see [Game trials](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/availability/trials).

## Step 7: Gaming metadata

Complete these checks in the [**Gaming metadata**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/metadata-overview) module.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm that **Accessibility** features are accurate.">
    Confirm that **Accessibility** features are accurate.

    * Only select features your game supports.
    * For more information, see [Accessibility Feature Tags](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/gaming/accessibility/accessibility-feature-tags).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm **Supported languages**.">
    Confirm **Supported languages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm **Game Pass** isn't configured, unless requested by your XBOX contacts.">
    Confirm **Game Pass** isn't configured, unless requested by your XBOX contacts. This setting isn't required for all Game Pass products.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm **External content** settings.">
    Confirm **External content** settings.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 8: XBOX services

Complete these checks in the [**XBOX services**](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/xbox-services) modules.

### Gameplay settings

1. Identify the source sandbox with final gameplay settings.
   * Use this sandbox when publishing to the **RETAIL** sandbox.

### XBOX settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="If applicable, confirm **Localized title names**.">
    If applicable, confirm **Localized title names**.

    * Don't use placeholders or names of other products.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm **Yes I will be publishing achievements** is selected unless directed...">
    Confirm **Yes I will be publishing achievements** is selected unless directed otherwise by Microsoft.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm **Device families** match your release platforms.">
    Confirm **Device families** match your release platforms.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If applicable, confirm the **XBOX embargo** date.">
    If applicable, confirm the **XBOX embargo** date.

    * Embargo is recommended for new game releases.
    * For more information, see [XBOX settings - embargo](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/xbox-services#embargo-date).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  XBOX games are configured to use the [Reseller](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/availability/managed-creators/reseller-pricing) pricing model and require a **revenue SKU**. If publishing fails due to a missing revenue SKU, send your Store ID to your [XBOX contacts](/publishing/game-publishing/resources/managed-support/overview-microsoft-representatives-and-contacts) to request one. Products without a revenue SKU can't publish to the **RETAIL** sandbox but can still publish to development sandboxes or be submitted for Certification.
</Tip>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Publishing to RETAIL" href="/publishing/game-publishing/publishing-processes/managed-creators/publishing-processes-retail-publishing-and-testing" />
</CardGroup>


## Related topics

- [XBOX game publishing overview](/publishing/game-publishing/publishing-processes/managed-creators/overview.md)
- [Best practices and launch checklist](/services/playfab/multiplayer/servers/best-practices.md)
- [Publishing and testing in the RETAIL sandbox](/publishing/game-publishing/publishing-processes/managed-creators/publishing-processes-retail-publishing-and-testing.md)
- [XR-003 Title Quality for Submission](/publishing/certification/xr/xr-003.md)
- [XBOX Requirement test cases for PC and mobile games](/publishing/certification/pc-policy-tests.md)