> ## 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.

# Create a game package and upload it in Partner Center

> Tutorial for creating an XBOX game package with the GDK and uploading it to Partner Center, so you can validate, certify, and publish builds.

**XBOX**

This article describes how to create a game package by using the Game Development Kit (GDK), and upload it in Partner Center.

**XBOX**

## Prerequisites

* Enrollment as an XBOX creator. To learn more, see [XBOX Creator Onboarding](https://docs.xbox.com/home/onboarding.md).
* Active Partner Center account. If you don't have an account yet, contact your XBOX team.
* Approved Game Concept for your product. To learn more, see [Submit game concepts](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/publishing-processes/managed-creators/publishing-processes-game-concepts.md).

**Microsoft Store on Windows**

## Prerequisites

* Enrollment as a Microsoft Store developer.
* Active Partner Center account.
* To learn more, see [Microsoft Store Developer Platform](https://storedeveloper.microsoft.com/home).

## Install the Game Development Kit (GDK)

**XBOX**

Begin by installing the GDK. XBOX creators can download the GDK, samples, and tools from [XBOX Secure Downloads](https://aka.ms/gdkdl).

**Microsoft Store on Windows**

Begin by installing the GDK. Developers can download the GDK from [Game Development Kit - GitHub](https://aka.ms/gdk).

For more information, see [Access XBOX Game Development Kit (GDK) Development Resources](https://docs.xbox.com/home/onboarding-access/access-resources.md).

## Create a game package

When you prepare your game for release, combine the executable (.exe) and all required content into a single package. To create packages, use the [MakePkg](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/deployment/makepkg.md) tool (MakePkg.exe) included in the GDK.

**XBOX**

Game packages must use the correct format:

* Console games use the **XVC** format.
* PC games use the **MSIXVC** format.
* Other package types aren't supported.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **XBOX Play Anywhere**
>
> If you're creating an XBOX Play Anywhere game, create both an **XVC** package and an **MSIXVC** package.

For detailed guidance, see:

* [Getting started with packaging for PC games](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-PC.md).
* [Getting started packaging titles for XBOX consoles](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-console.md).
* [GDK Development and Tools](https://docs.xbox.com/tools/tools-console/index.md).

**Microsoft Store on Windows**

Packages for PC games published in the Microsoft Store on Windows use the **MSIXVC** format. For detailed instructions, see [Getting started with packaging for PC games](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/overviews/packaging-getting-started-for-PC.md).

> [!NOTE]
>
> GDK games that don't use XBOX services must not include the **MSAAppId**, **TitleId**, or **ExtendedAttributeList** elements in the **MicrosoftGame.config** file used to package the game. Before packaging your build, edit the MicrosoftGame.config file and remove these elements. If **MSAAppId**, **TitleId**, or **ExtendedAttributeList** are included in the packaged MicrosoftGame.config file, players will experience an XBOX sign-in error when the game is launched in the RETAIL sandbox.

### Packaging tools embedded in game engines

Some game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, include built-in packaging tools. Implementation varies by engine, so refer to your engine's documentation for guidance.

## Upload a game package

### Prerequisites

Before you upload a package, make sure you have:

**XBOX**

* A valid package:
  * **MSIXVC** for XBOX on PC.
  * **XVC** for XBOX consoles.
  * Includes the executable (.exe) and all required content.ny other content that the game needs.
  * For **XBOX Play Anywhere**, prepare both package formats.
* An **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file for each package.
* A **Symbols** (.zip) file for each package.
* A **Submission Validator** (.xml) file for each package.
  * For more information, see [Submission validator introduction](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/subval/submissionvalidator.md).

**Microsoft Store on Windows**

* A valid MSIXVC package
  * Includes the executable (.exe) and all required content.
* An **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file for each package.
* A **Symbols** (.zip) file for each package.
* A **Submission Validator** (.xml) file for each package.
  * For more information, see [Submission validator introduction](https://docs.xbox.com/build/core-features/common/packaging/subval/submissionvalidator.md).

### Package upload process

**1. Sign in to \[Partner Center�13�.**

Sign in to [Partner Center](https://partner.microsoft.com/dashboard).

**2. On the **Home** page, select **Apps and games**.**

On the **Home** page, select **Apps and games**.

**3. On the **Apps and games | Overview** page, select your game, or search for it.**

On the **Apps and games | Overview** page, select your game, or search for it.

**4. Select **Packages**.**

Select **Packages**.

**5. Select **Upload package** in the **Main** branch.**

Select **Upload package** in the **Main** branch. For more information, see [Packages](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/game-package-management.md).

**6. Select **Browse your files**, then select the package to upload.**

Select **Browse your files**, then select the package to upload.

**7. When prompted, upload the **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file.**

When prompted, upload the **EKB (Escrow Key Blob)** file.

**8. Upload the **Symbols** (.zip) file generated during packaging.**

Upload the **Symbols** (.zip) file generated during packaging.

**9. Upload the **Submission Validator** (.xml) log file generated during packaging.**

Upload the **Submission Validator** (.xml) log file generated during packaging.

**10. Select **Save draft**.**

Select **Save draft**.

## Next steps

> **[Configure properties for a game](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/how-to-configure-properties.md)**


## Related topics

- [Create and publish an XBOX GDK game in Partner Center](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/overview.md)
- [Create and publish add-ons for a game](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/tutorial-xbox-managed/how-to-create-use-publish-add-ons.md)
- [Packages](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/game-package-management.md)
- [XVC packages](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/concepts/packages-xvc.md)
- [How to configure package flights for game packages](https://docs.xbox.com/publishing/game-publishing/how-to/how-to-package-flights-for-xvc-packages.md)