Choose the right product type to create
The Apps and Games workspace in Partner Center offers several product types for Microsoft platforms, including Games, Game Demos, and Game Bundles.- Create a Game for full game products.
- Create a Game demo for betas or demos.
- Create a Game bundle for grouped offerings, such as multiple games or a game with add-ons.
- Create a Product group to organize all products associated with a single title. These groups only affect how the products are organized in Partner Center.
Create Durables, Consumables, Add-on Bundles, and Season Passes from the Add-ons section within a Game. For more information, see Creating game add-ons.
Supported platforms
You can configure games, demos, bundles, and add-ons for PC, XBOX One consoles, and XBOX Series X|S. If you release on multiple platforms, decide how you want to structure your product offerings.Smart Delivery (XBOX consoles only)
A single product that supports XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S- Upload separate packages for each console generation. Players automatically download the correct package for their device.
- Players own the product across both device families with one purchase.
- Use a single configuration for pricing, availability, and Store listings.
- Share XBOX services across console generations.
- If you also release on PC, combine Smart Delivery with XBOX Play Anywhere, Bound, or Unbound configurations.
XBOX Play Anywhere (XPA)
A single product that supports both XBOX consoles and PC.- Support XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, or both.
- Enable cross-progression between XBOX console and XBOX on PC versions.
- Players receive XBOX Unified Entitlements, meaning they own the product both platforms with one purchase.
- Use a single configuration for pricing, availability, and Store listings.
- Share XBOX services across XBOX platforms.
Separate Products (Bound)
Create one product per platform and link them through shared XBOX services.- Bind products across platforms, such as XBOX One to XBOX Series X|S, or console to PC.
- You might need to support cross-progression. For details, see XR-130.
- Players only own the platform version they purchase.
- Configure pricing, availability, and Store listings separately for each platform.
- Configure XBOX services on a primary product and share them with a secondary product.
Separate Products (Unbound)
Create one independent per platform.- You might need to support cross-progression. For more information, see XR-130.
- Configure XBOX services independently for each product.
- Players only own the platform version they purchase.
- Configure pricing, availability, Store listings, and XBOX services separately for each platform.
Reserve a product name
When you create a Game, you must reserve a unique name. You can reserve other names later. This approach lets you use a code name during development and update it when the final name is confirmed. For more information, see Create and reserve your game name.The initial name you reserve becomes the display name in the Partner Center dashboard. It’s also the Identity name for the game’s packages. This name is visible to players after publishing to the RETAIL sandbox. Don’t use a code name if players shouldn’t see it later. You can’t change Identity details after the game is created.
Request product onboarding
All XBOX products, including games, bundles, and add-ons, require onboarding. After creating a product, send the Store ID to your XBOX contacts and include:- Supported platforms such as XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, or PC.
- Planned participation in curated programs such as XBOX Game Pass or Game Preview.
- Planned features such as Smart Delivery, XBOX Play Anywhere, or cross-generation bundles.
Configure a revenue SKU
All XBOX products require a revenue SKU (rev SKU). After creating a product, send a request to your XBOX contacts with the product name and Store ID. If you don’t submit XBOX products for onboarding, you’re blocked from publishing to the RETAIL sandbox. When you attempt to publish, an error is displayed and states that a revenue SKU is required.Complete Game setup
After you create a game, Partner Center opens the Game setup page. Here you:- Enable XBOX services.
- Select Device family availability, either Retail, Sandboxes, or both, for each device family, such as PC and console.
- Choose a primary development sandbox.
- View Identity details and required identifiers for building XVC and MSIXVC packages.
Enable XBOX features and services
XBOX services are disabled by default. If you configure the Game setup page before you request product onboarding, you can only Enable limited XBOX services. With limited XBOX services, you can’t:- Publish to the RETAIL sandbox.
- Configure XBOX achievements.
Manage development sandboxes
Select a primary development sandbox during setup. You can use up to 100 sandboxes per Partner Center account. Two types are available:- Isolated Sandboxes: Restricted to products you specify.
- Shared Sandboxes: Available to all products in your account.
Create game add-ons
Create add-ons from the Add-ons section within a Game. Supported types include:- Durable with packages or Durable for downloadable content (DLC) and permanent in-game content such as maps, vehicles, or expansions.
- Use Durable with packages when content is delivered separately from the main game.
- Use Durable when content unlocks through entitlement checks. This content can’t ship on physical discs.
- Store-managed consumable for items such as in-game currency.
Add platforms after release
You can add platforms after release through the product setup page, such as Game setup. Select Sandboxes or Retail for the new platform. After selection:- Upload packages for the new platform.
- Certify packages before publishing to the RETAIL sandbox.
Next steps
After creating your product:- Request product onboarding.
- Complete all product modules, such as Store listings, Age ratings, and Properties.
- Continue development with the Game Development Kit (GDK).
- Integrate XBOX services, such as sign-in, achievements, and connected storage.