Game Development Resources
Graphics on Xbox
Overview of Xbox graphics.
Microsoft Game Core (GDK) Unity Plugin
Standalone add-in to empower PC developers with integreated development functionality directly within Unity projects.
Partner Center
Manage your products and relationships with Microsoft and customers.
Documentation
Documentation
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.
Microsoft Game Development Kit w/ Xbox Extensions (GDKX) Docs
Microsoft GDKX private API reference and conceptual guidance (which includes the GDK documentation) *plus* confidential information required to build games targeting Xbox consoles. Active GDKX license agreement and secure login credentials required.
Xbox Live
Take advantage of Xbox Live features and services.
Xbox Live Developer Tools
Tools to help develop and test an Xbox Live enabled title.
Getting started with your Xbox Dev Kit
Set up and activate your Xbox Dev Kit.
Azure PlayFab
Develop an effective LiveOps strategy and enable a complete backend platform.
Azure Gaming
Build your infrastructure on a gaming coud with years of experience powering Xbox games and services.
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.
GitHub Docs
Learn how to start building, shipping, and maintaining software with GitHub.
Simplygon
Simplygon SDK provides powerful 3d asset optimization algorithms that can be integrated into your 3d game assets pipeline.
Xbox One Development Kit (XDK)
Developer information for the Xbox One XDK.
Accessibility Guidelines
Best practices developed in partnership with industry experts and members of the Gamin & Disability Community.
Partner Center Overview
Learn how Microsoft partners manage their relationship with Microsoft and their customers.
Publishing Windows Apps
What you need to create a submission and get your app certified.
Game Streaming Introduction
Get started setting up your title for Xbox Game Streaming and Xbox Remote Play.
PlayFab Engagement
Quickstart guides and tutorials on tools that you can use to engage your player community and keeping them coming back.
PlayFab Data
A set of tools for data analytics, storage, processing, and exports.
PlayFab Analytics
How to set-up experiments, metrics, reports, and segmentation.
PlayFab User Generated Content
Empower your players to create, upload, and search for moderated content.
Forums
Forums
Xbox Developer Forums
Ask questions, find answers and read the latest news in our development community forums.
Azure PlayFab Forums
An open forums for users of PlayFab to get answers to questions and provide feedback.
GDK Game Development
Community space dedicated to developing titles using Microsoft Game Core (GDK).
Downloads
Downloads
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Xbox Live samples
Learn how to leverage Xbox Live services to grow and engage your game's community with these samples.
Xbox Live Trace Analyzer
Ensure your title is using Xbox Live Services in an optimal fashion.
PlayFab on Xbox samples
Learn how to use PlayFab in your Xbox title with these samples.
DirectML samples
Learn Microsoft's DirectML APIs to build runtime optimized implementations of your machine learning models.
DirectX graphics samples
Learn how to use the latest DirectX APIs to achieve your artistic vision for your game.
Havok
Havok SDK and supporting resources.
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).
Microsoft Xbox One Development Kit (XDK) Samples
Public GitHub repository of legacy samples supporting only Xbox One console development.