> ## 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.

# Create a game package and upload it in Partner Center

> Tutorial for creating an XBOX game package with the GDK and uploading it to Partner Center, so you can validate, certify, and publish builds.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="XBOX" />
</Tabs>

This article describes how to create a game package by using the Game Development Kit (GDK), and upload it in Partner Center.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="XBOX">
    ## Prerequisites

    * Enrollment as an XBOX creator. To learn more, see [XBOX Creator Onboarding](/home/onboarding).
    * Active Partner Center account. If you don't have an account yet, contact your XBOX team.
    * Approved Game Concept for your product. To learn more, see [Submit game concepts](/publishing/game-publishing/publishing-processes/managed-creators/publishing-processes-game-concepts).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Microsoft Store on Windows">
    ## Prerequisites

    * Enrollment as a Microsoft Store developer.
    * Active Partner Center account.
    * To learn more, see [Microsoft Store Developer Platform](https://storedeveloper.microsoft.com/home).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Install the Game Development Kit (GDK)

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="XBOX">
    Begin by installing the GDK. XBOX creators can download the GDK, samples, and tools from [XBOX Secure Downloads](https://aka.ms/gdkdl).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Microsoft Store on Windows">
    Begin by installing the GDK. Developers can download the GDK from [Game Development Kit - GitHub](https://aka.ms/gdk).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

For more information, see [Access XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK) Development Resources](/home/onboarding-access/access-resources).

## Create a game package

When you prepare your game for release, combine the executable (.exe) and all required content into a single package. To create packages, use the [MakePkg](/build/core-features/common/packaging/deployment/makepkg) tool (MakePkg.exe) included in the GDK.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="XBOX">
    Game packages must use the correct format:

    * Console games use the **XVC** format.
    * PC games use the **MSIXVC** format.
    * Other package types aren't supported.

    <Warning>
      **XBOX Play Anywhere**

      If you're creating an XBOX Play Anywhere game, create both an **XVC** package and an **MSIXVC** package.
    </Warning>

    For detailed guidance, see:

    * [Getting started with packaging for PC games](/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-PC).
    * [Getting started packaging titles for XBOX consoles](/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-console).
    * [GDK Development and Tools](/tools/tools-console/index).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Microsoft Store on Windows">
    Packages for PC games published in the Microsoft Store on Windows use the **MSIXVC** format. For detailed instructions, see [Getting started with packaging for PC games](/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-PC).

    <Info>
      GDK games that don't use XBOX services must not include the **MSAAppId**, **TitleId**, or **ExtendedAttributeList** elements in the **MicrosoftGame.config** file used to package the game. Before packaging your build, edit the MicrosoftGame.config file and remove these elements. If **MSAAppId**, **TitleId**, or **ExtendedAttributeList** are included in the packaged MicrosoftGame.config file, players will experience an XBOX sign-in error when the game is launched in the RETAIL sandbox.
    </Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Packaging tools embedded in game engines

Some game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, include built-in packaging tools. Implementation varies by engine, so refer to your engine's documentation for guidance.

## Upload a game package

### Prerequisites

Before you upload a package, make sure you have:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="XBOX">
    * A valid package:
      * **MSIXVC** for XBOX on PC.
      * **XVC** for XBOX consoles.
      * Includes the executable (.exe) and all required content.ny other content that the game needs.
      * For **XBOX Play Anywhere**, prepare both package formats.
    * An **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file for each package.
    * A **Symbols** (.zip) file for each package.
    * A **Submission Validator** (.xml) file for each package.
      * For more information, see [Submission validator introduction](/build/core-features/common/packaging/subval/submissionvalidator).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Microsoft Store on Windows">
    * A valid MSIXVC package
      * Includes the executable (.exe) and all required content.
    * An **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file for each package.
    * A **Symbols** (.zip) file for each package.
    * A **Submission Validator** (.xml) file for each package.
      * For more information, see [Submission validator introduction](/build/core-features/common/packaging/subval/submissionvalidator).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Package upload process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in to [Partner Center�13�.">
    Sign in to [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard).
  </Step>

  <Step title="On the **Home** page, select **Apps and games**.">
    On the **Home** page, select **Apps and games**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="On the **Apps and games | Overview** page, select your game, or search for it.">
    On the **Apps and games | Overview** page, select your game, or search for it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select **Packages**.">
    Select **Packages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select **Upload package** in the **Main** branch.">
    Select **Upload package** in the **Main** branch. For more information, see [Packages](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/game-package-management).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select **Browse your files**, then select the package to upload.">
    Select **Browse your files**, then select the package to upload.
  </Step>

  <Step title="When prompted, upload the **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file.">
    When prompted, upload the **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the **Symbols** (.zip) file generated during packaging.">
    Upload the **Symbols** (.zip) file generated during packaging.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the **Submission Validator** (.xml) log file generated during packaging.">
    Upload the **Submission Validator** (.xml) log file generated during packaging.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select **Save draft**.">
    Select **Save draft**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Configure properties for a game" href="/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/how-to-configure-properties" />
</CardGroup>


## Related topics

- [Create and publish an XBOX GDK game in Partner Center](/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/overview.md)
- [Create and publish add-ons for a game](/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/how-to-create-use-publish-add-ons.md)
- [Packages](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/game-package-management.md)
- [How to configure package flights for game packages](/publishing/game-publishing/how-to/how-to-package-flights-for-xvc-packages.md)
- [XVC packages](/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/packages-xvc.md)