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Sub-publishing permits another publisher that holds a valid publishing agreement with Microsoft to publish your digital product in specific markets (digital sub-publishing) or as a physical release (physical sub-publishing).

Forms for sub-publishing agreements

When you’re working with another publisher to sub-publish a game digitally or physically, you must complete and submit an XBOX Sub-Publishing Form. The primary publisher that submitted the game concept is responsible for initiating this process. Forms for both digital and physical, or physical-only sub-publishing are available in the XBOX Publisher Guide in the Forms section. If you don’t have access, speak to your XBOX contacts.

Requirements for sub-publishing

Each XBOX Sub-Publishing Form contains full guidance on the requirements for sub-publishing. Review this guidance and speak to your XBOX contacts if you have questions.
The sub-publisher of your product must have a valid license agreement with Microsoft to publish the product, and the license agreement must be valid for the distribution method being considered. Sub-publishing might require the sub-publisher to submit a game concept. Ask your XBOX contacts if you’re unsure about whether a new concept is necessary.
Last modified on August 20, 2026