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This topic describes the XBOX project templates that are available in Visual Studio.

Project templates

The Microsoft Game Development Kit installs the following Visual Studio C++ project templates for XBOX game development.
  • Direct3D 12 XBOX Game: A project for an XBOX game that uses Direct3D 12 and C++.
  • Direct3D 12 XBOX Game Makefile: A project for an XBOX game that uses Direct3D 12 and C++ by using an external build system.
  • XBOX Static Library: A project for an XBOX static library.
  • XBOX DLL: A project for an XBOX dynamic-link library.

Locating the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) project templates

Locate the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) templates by searching and filtering in the Create a new project dialog box of Visual Studio 2019 or Visual Studio 2022. The Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) templates can be found by searching and filtering in the New Project dialog. The Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) templates can be found by filtering to the C++ language, the XBOX platform, and the Games project type.

See also

Visual Studio
Last modified on August 20, 2026