Welcome to ID@XBOX
The ID@Xbox program enables qualified game developers of all sizes to unleash their creativity by self-publishing digital games on Xbox One and Windows 10 with Xbox Live, giving studios the tools and support needed to maximize their success.
Apply to the program nowOur process:
1
REGISTER
Submit your application and receive regular news and updates from ID@Xbox.
2
SUBMIT
Ready to begin? Reach out and we’ll sign an NDA and discuss your game, whether you’d like to ship it as a Universal Windows App, an Xbox One game, or both.
3
BUILD
Get access to the right SDKs, our dev forums, free middleware, and tons of helpful documentation. Need dev kits? Approved Xbox One developers will get two kits free of charge.
4
PUBLISH
Publish, certify, and update your game without cost and get access to our go-to-market playbook.
Xbox Dev Mode is Here!
If you want to get started experimenting with deploying UWP games and apps to Xbox One, and designing games and apps for a living room experience, we're excited to announce Xbox One Dev Mode, which enables you to deploy UWP games and apps to your Xbox One! You don't need help from ID@Xbox to begin experimenting with Dev Mode – just download the Dev Mode Activation app on your Xbox One to get started! Read more here.
If you'd like to enable Xbox Live for your UWP game on PC, or ship a UWP game commercially on Xbox One, you will need to be part of the ID@Xbox program. And of course all developers are welcome and encouraged to join ID@Xbox to get the latest news for independent game developers from Microsoft!
General FAQs
How do I join ID@Xbox?
Apply! We’ll review your details and follow up accordingly. Every developer who applies is part of ID@Xbox and gets regular program updates, invites to ID@Xbox events, and the ability to participate in promotional offers we extend to developers from time to time. When you are ready to start developing a title, reach out!
What will it cost me?
There are no fees to apply to ID@Xbox, to submit a game to certification, publish, or update your games. There is a very modest one-time cost associated with development for the Universal Windows Platform.
What about Xbox 360?
ID@Xbox is focused on development for Xbox One and other Windows 10 devices, but not Xbox 360.
What are the criteria for receiving Xbox One developer kits?
Developers with an approved concept for Xbox One will receive two dev kits, free of charge.
Can I use my retail Xbox One as a developer kit?
Yes, you can. Once you download the preview version of the Xbox Dev Mode Activation app, you can unlock dev mode on your Xbox One and experiment with creating games for a "10 foot" living room experience. You don't need to be part of ID@Xbox to get started, but we're here to help if you want to ship a UWP game on Windows 10, or ship a game on Xbox One. You can go here to learn more.
Games FAQs
How are ID@Xbox games sold?
ID@Xbox games are sold digitally in the Windows and Xbox One stores alongside all other games, and have access to the same discovery tools: Recommendations, Trending, a curated Spotlight section, and more. Viral discovery tools such as your friends’ activity feed, Twitch streams and Upload Studio videos also help players discover your games.
Do all games for Windows 10 need to go through ID@Xbox?
No. Only titles that want to feature Xbox Live are required to be part of ID@Xbox. Xbox Live lets you offer your players things like Gamertag identity, Achievements, Gamerscore, custom multiplayer features and more.
Do ID@Xbox games need to go through certification?
Yes. Certification ensures that we deliver high-quality games that won’t break or behave inappropriately. For Xbox One titles, we have release managers who will help you navigate the certification process, and we provide clear documentation on certification requirements, such as acquiring ESRB or other ratings. For Windows games with Xbox Live, the cert process is quick and simple.
Will ID@Xbox games have full access to everything that First- and Third-Party games have?
Yes. Developers in ID@Xbox have full access to the Live stack and support the exact same features as all other digital content on Xbox One--full support for multiplayer, Game DVR, Kinect, in-game transactions, updates, DLC, SmartGlass, etc. Bottom line: If a feature is supported on Xbox One, ID@Xbox games can take advantage of it.
What are the content standards for ID@Xbox games?
When you’re ready to submit a game to ID@Xbox, we’ll send you a Game Information Form to complete, telling us more about your title. While we’re not trying to be censors, we’re also not interested in enabling extremely vulgar, offensive, or objectionable games. In terms of content, we’re looking for games that feel at home on their target platform and that reflect what customers expect when gaming on Xbox One or Windows.
My question wasn’t answered here!
Feel free to contact us via email or follow us on Twitter! We aim to answer all email and tweets in a timely manner, but we appreciate your patience if circumstances mean we have to take a bit longer to reply.
