Game Development Resources

Resources with a key icon require authorization. Contact your Microsoft representative to get access or apply to join the ID@Xbox program

Featured Library

Graphics on Xbox

Overview of Xbox graphics.

Featured Download

Microsoft Game Core (GDK) Unity Plugin

Standalone add-in to empower PC developers with integrated development functionality directly within Unity projects.

Featured Resource

Partner Center

Manage your products and relationships with Microsoft and customers.

Documentation

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Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) Docs

Microsoft GDK public API reference and conceptual guidance for topics common between building games for Xbox Game Pass for PC on Windows 10/11 and Xbox consoles.

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Microsoft Game Development Kit w/ Xbox Extensions (GDKX) Docs

Microsoft GDKX private API reference and conceptual guidance plus confidential information required to build games targeting Xbox consoles. Active GDKX license agreement and secure login credentials required.

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Xbox Live

Take advantage of Xbox Live features and services.

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Xbox Live Developer Tools

Tools to help develop and test an Xbox Live enabled title.

Guide

Getting started with your Xbox Dev Kit

Set up and activate your Xbox Dev Kit.

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Azure PlayFab

Develop an effective LiveOps strategy and enable a complete backend platform.

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Azure Gaming

Build your infrastructure on a gaming cloud with years of experience powering Xbox games and services.

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Advanced Publishing Guide

Learn about advanced publishing features in Partner Center for managed partners including Add-On Store Listings, Publishing to Sandboxes, creating durable packages (DLC), and more.

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GitHub Docs

Learn how to start building, shipping, and maintaining software with GitHub.

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Simplygon

Simplygon SDK provides powerful 3d asset optimization algorithms that can be intgrated into your 3d game assets pipeline.

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Xbox One Development Kit (XDK)

Developer information for the Xbox One XDK.

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Accessibility Guidelines

Best practices developed in partnership with industry experts and members of the Gaming & Disability Community.

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Partner Center Overview

Learn how Microsoft partners manage their relationship with Microsoft and their customers.

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Publishing Windows Apps

What you need to create a submission and get your app certified.

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Game Streaming Introduction

Get started setting up your title for Xbox Game Streaming and Xbox Remote Play.

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PlayFab Engagement

Quickstart guides and tutorials on tools that you can use to engage your player community and keep them coming back.

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PlayFab Data

A set of tools for data analytics, storage, processing, and exports.

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PlayFab Analytics

How to set up experiments, metrics, reports, and segmentation.

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PlayFab User Generated Content

Empower your players to create, upload, and search for moderated content.

Forums

Conversation

Xbox Developer Forums

Ask questions, find answers, and read the latest news in our development community forums.

Conversation

Azure PlayFab Forums

An open forum for users of PlayFab to get answers to questions and provide feedback.

Conversation

GDK Game Development

Community space dedicated to developing titles using Microsoft Game Core (GDK).

Downloads

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Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK)

Microsoft GDK public GitHub repository for the software and tools needed to build games for Xbox Game Pass for PC on Windows 10/11.

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Microsoft Game Development Kit w/ Xbox Extensions (GDKX) Downloads

Microsoft GDKX private download archive for software, tools, samples, and other learning resources (offline docs, conference materials, and more).

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Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) Samples

Public GitHub repository of cross-platform samples supporting game development for Xbox Game Pass for PC on Windows 10/11, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Microsoft Game Development Kit w/ Xbox Extensions (GDKX) Samples

Private repository of Xbox samples supporting game development for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

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Xbox Live Services API (XSAPI)

The Microsoft Xbox Live Service API (XSAPI) enables game developers to access Xbox Live features, such as profile, social, presence, leaderboards, achievements, multiplayer, and more.

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Xbox Live Samples

Learn how to leverage Xbox Live services to grow and engage your game's community with these samples.

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Xbox Live Trace Analyzer

Ensure your title is using Xbox Live Services in an optimal fashion.

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PlayFab on Xbox Samples

Learn how to use PlayFab in your Xbox title with these samples.

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DirectML Samples

Learn Microsoft's DirectML APIs to build runtime optimized implementations of your machine learning models.

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DirectX Graphics Samples

Learn how to use the latest DirectX APIs to achieve your artistic vision for your game.

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Havok

Havok SDK and supporting resources.

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Microsoft Xbox One Development Kit (XDK)

Microsoft XDK private download archive for software, tools, samples, and other learning resources (offline docs, conference materials, and more).

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Microsoft Xbox One development Kit (XDK) Samples

Public GitHub repository of legacy samples supporting only Xbox One console development.