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This tutorial explains how XBOX creators and Microsoft Store developers can use Partner Center to create, configure, and publish a game. This tutorial should only be used if you’re developing your game by using the Game Development Kit (GDK). If you’re not developing your game by using the GDK, follow the instructions for Windows apps at Publish apps & games to Microsoft Store on Windows. Partner Center offers a wide range of functionality, which can be daunting if you’re new to using it for game publishing. This guide explains the golden path—the simplest route most games can follow—to release with a common configuration. If this simple configuration isn’t right for your game, other configurations are possible. Use the Partner Center features and Partner Center how-to guides topics in this site for detailed information about each of the options available.
Some Partner Center features, such as XBOX services, are only available to XBOX creators. At the top of each page in this tutorial, you can select XBOX or Microsoft Store on Windows. Use this selection to get the step-by-step instructions that apply to where you’re releasing your game. If you’re interested in becoming an XBOX creator, see XBOX Creator Onboarding.

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Before you begin

Some Partner Center features, such as achievements, Gamerscore, and publishing with XBOX services, require an approved game concept. Without an approved concept, you can create your game in Partner Center and configure limited XBOX services for development and testing. However, you can’t submit your game for certification or publish it to the Microsoft Store. You can apply for concept approval at any point during development, including after you set up your game and enable limited XBOX services. Currently, if you want to release a game without an approved game concept, you can only publish to the Microsoft Store on Windows, without XBOX services.

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Publishing process

The golden path to create, configure, and publish an XBOX game is as follows.
1

Create a game

Create a game in Partner Center and configure the Game setup page.
2

Create and upload a Package

Create and upload a Package.
3

Configure Properties

Configure Properties.
4

Configure Age ratings

Configure Age ratings.
5

Configure Store listings

Configure Store listings.
6

Configure Pricing and availability

Configure Pricing and availability.
7

Configure Gaming metadata

Configure Gaming metadata.
8

Configure XBOX services

Configure XBOX services.
9

Certify your product

Certify your product.
10

Review and publish

Review and publish your product to the Microsoft Store.

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Next steps

Create a game and configure game setup

Last modified on August 20, 2026

Related topics

Create a game package and upload it in Partner CenterCreate and publish add-ons for a gameXBOX game publishing overviewSet up XBOX products in Partner CenterXBOX Partner Onboarding for access and publishing