> ## 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.

# Project templates in Visual Studio for XBOX development

> Project templates in Visual Studio for XBOX development

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.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/6TXzXmujKayly5Sf/images/gdk/tools/vs_2019_create_project_dialog.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=6TXzXmujKayly5Sf&q=85&s=708fc0bde94219fa13c39e6e5e39fe34" alt="Screenshot of the New Project dialog in Visual Studio 2019" width="902" height="629" data-path="images/gdk/tools/vs_2019_create_project_dialog.png" />

## See also

[Visual Studio](/tools/tools-console/visualstudio/visualstudio)


## Related topics

- [Visual Studio 2022 GDK support notes](/tools/tools-console/visualstudio/vs-2022-support-notes.md)
- [Visual Studio 2026 GDK support notes](/tools/tools-console/visualstudio/vs-2026-support-notes.md)
- [Project templates in Visual Studio for PC game development](/tools/tools-pc/visualstudio/gr-vs-templates.md)
- [Start a new PC title with GDK project templates](/build/gdk-and-engines/guides/gdk-project-templates.md)
- [Debugging XBOX projects by using Visual Studio](/tools/tools-console/visualstudio/debugging-with-visualstudio.md)