> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xbox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# XBOX Game Development

> Build and publish games for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, and Windows PC using the GDK, PlayFab, and XBOX services.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/xbox-docs-logo.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=0dfb49cb1c29dac995e9d05cc1f213bd)

XBOX Docs

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/index.md)

[Home](https://docs.xbox.com/index.md)

[Get Started](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/overview.md)
[Build](https://docs.xbox.com/build/gdk-and-engines/overview.md)
[Services](https://docs.xbox.com/services/xbox-services.md)
[Tools](https://docs.xbox.com/tools.md)
[Publishing](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/overview.md)
[API References](https://docs.xbox.com/reference/gc-reference-toc.md)

[Support](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v4j5cvGGr0GRqy180BHbR0NCPI86XoxGliSdH5F4obBUNUJFVE1BN0U4MlRUQzRSQUtGTjkwVDFaNy4u)

# XBOX Game Development

Build and publish games for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, and Windows PC using the XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK), PlayFab, and XBOX services.

## Start here

From a game idea to a build running on hardware.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/join.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=01d5955e3d765c9f4b0982ced2406a5a)

Join ID\@XBOX to get build permission

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/onboarding.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/install.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=ddd33e9701a20cc45751d9165570fd96)

Set up and install the GDK

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/setup-install/get-started.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/play.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=a59dbe4a1d088857476d8a0fdfc5f156)

Build your first title

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/guides.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=c3f02f6d2f7f5336827e5f70b92fb9d5)

Browse Getting Started guides

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/overview.md)

## Products this applies to

![XBOX Series X|S](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/xbox-series-xs.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=9e322b69be2bdde770ae83a71fcb3966)

XBOX Series X/S consoles

![XBOX One](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/xbox-one.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=4d2c014c2b929fa02ac3e46028e128b9)

XBOX One family consoles

![Windows](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/windows.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=8f449acbe309cb62770096c992ce20b4)

Windows PC

## Key terms

XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK)

XBOX’s free toolkit for building XBOX and Windows games.

ID\@XBOX

The program that grants independent studios GDK access and permission to publish on XBOX.

Partner Center

The Microsoft developer portal where you register your studio and submit your finished game.

Dev kit

An XBOX console configured for development. You don’t need one to start.

## The four-step path

Jump into the guides most teams use first, from environment setup to release notes and reference
material.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-muted.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=f6f47477b4e1756c362ea85805a053ac)

Join ID\@XBOX to get build permission

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/onboarding.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-muted.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=f6f47477b4e1756c362ea85805a053ac)

Set up and install the GDK

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/setup-install/get-started.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-muted.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=f6f47477b4e1756c362ea85805a053ac)

Build your first title

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles.md)

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-muted.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=f6f47477b4e1756c362ea85805a053ac)

Browse Getting Started guides

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/arrow-up-right.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=47abb2729e123c49c190f3a7696a2c83)

[Open](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/overview.md)

## Common scoping questions

> **I'm a solo developer or an indie studio. Is XBOX development for me?**
>
> Yes. ID\@XBOX supports indie studios and solo developers. There is no cost to join, and the
> tools (GDK, Visual Studio, PlayFab) are the same tools large studios use. You can develop
> entirely on a Windows PC. You need a dev kit only when you’re ready to test on XBOX
> hardware.

> **I use Unity, Unreal, or Godot. Do I still need the GDK?**
>
> Yes, but you rarely interact with it directly. Your engine calls the GDK for you. You still
> install the GDK on your PC so the engine can package your game for XBOX and use XBOX
> features such as achievements and cloud saves. Select your engine’s 
> [Getting Started guide](https://docs.xbox.com/home/build-first-title/developing-new-titles.md) in step 4.

> **I already have a PC or Steam game. Can I port it?**
>
> Yes. Porting is often faster than starting from scratch because your gameplay code is
> already written. Start with the [Porting path](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/overview.md), or go
> directly to your source platform: [From Steam](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/from-steam.md), 
> [From a prior XBOX generation](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/from-xbox-era.md), 
> [From other platforms](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/from-console.md), or 
> [From PC (non-Steam)](https://docs.xbox.com/paths/porting/from-pc.md).

> **What operating system and hardware do I need?**
>
> You need a **Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC** with space for the GDK. No XBOX
> console is required to start. You can build and test Play Anywhere PC builds locally. When
> you’re ready to test on XBOX hardware, order a dev kit through Partner Center.

## Documentation sections

After your Getting Started guide points you deeper into the docs, use these sections:

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=7164b390646e9ebe8bee86c1b312d79e)

### [Build](https://docs.xbox.com/build/gdk-and-engines/overview.md)

GDK deep dives: game config, packaging, saves, input, networking, and cross-device
development.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/compass-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=298f3cc6e17b22334d79e87dcf466437)

### [Services](https://docs.xbox.com/services/xbox-services.md)

XBOX services and PlayFab: identity, achievements, multiplayer, economy, and live-ops.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/compass-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=298f3cc6e17b22334d79e87dcf466437)

### [Console features](https://docs.xbox.com/build/console-features/index.md)

Quick Resume, DirectStorage, Smart Delivery, and other console-only capabilities.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=7164b390646e9ebe8bee86c1b312d79e)

### [Tools](https://docs.xbox.com/tools.md)

Visual Studio setup, XBOX service tools, profilers, and diagnostics.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/compass-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=298f3cc6e17b22334d79e87dcf466437)

### [Publishing & commerce](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/overview.md)

Certification, XR requirements, store listing, pricing, and submission.

![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/compass-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=298f3cc6e17b22334d79e87dcf466437)

### [API Reference](https://docs.xbox.com/reference/gc-reference-toc.md)

Gaming Runtime, XBOX services, and platform APIs.

## Quick links

Once your Getting Started guide points you deeper into the docs, use these sections:

[![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=7164b390646e9ebe8bee86c1b312d79e)Download the GDKRequires ID@XBOX access.](https://docs.xbox.com/home/setup-install/download-install.md)
[![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=7164b390646e9ebe8bee86c1b312d79e)GDK SamplesBuildable samples on GitHub.](https://github.com/microsoft/Xbox-GDK-Samples)
[![](https://mintcdn.com/microsoft-4404708b/uYrj__gJVsakWiH3/images/xbox-home/folder-accent.svg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=uYrj__gJVsakWiH3\&q=85\&s=7164b390646e9ebe8bee86c1b312d79e)Error codesGDK and XBOX services error lookup.](https://docs.xbox.com/reference/errorcodes.md)


## Related topics

- [Access Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) development resources](https://docs.xbox.com/home/onboarding-access/access-resources.md)
- [Console features for the XBOX Game Development Kit](https://docs.xbox.com/build/console-features/index.md)
- [Project templates in Visual Studio for XBOX development](https://docs.xbox.com/tools/tools-console/visualstudio/durango-visual-studio-templates.md)
- [Troubleshooting XStore development](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/xstore-commerce/xstore-troubleshooting.md)
- [Cross-gen games with the XBOX GDK](https://docs.xbox.com/build/console-features/cross-gen/index.md)