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Welcome to XBOX! Before you can release games for XBOX consoles and XBOX on PC, you need to register as a creator through the ID@XBOX program. This overview guides you through the onboarding journey from start to finish, with a separate, detailed article for each step.
The ID@XBOX program enables creators of all sizes to publish games on XBOX consoles and XBOX on PC, with the tools and support needed to maximize their success. Whether you're a solo developer or a large publishing studio, XBOX has the right programs to help you launch your game, reach millions of players, and collaborate with the XBOX developer community.
Tip
There are no fees to apply to ID@XBOX.
Before you begin
To help your application move quickly, make sure you have the following information available.
- A new personal Microsoft account (MSA) created specifically for ID@XBOX registration. Don't reuse a personal MSA that you already use for other Microsoft services.
- Your studio details, including your legally registered business name and any trading (doing business as) name.
- Your Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) Number, if you have one. Providing it speeds up business verification.
- A shipping address for XBOX development kits.
Onboarding steps
Complete the following steps in order. Each step links to a detailed article.
- Register on the XBOX Developer Program registration page: Create your Microsoft account, sign in at the XBOX Onboarding Hub, and select the ID@XBOX program.
- Provide your business introduction: Tell us about your studio, your contact and studio details, and whether you're joining as a developer or a publisher.
- Sign your Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Review and sign the mutual NDA so you can continue your registration and tell us about your game.
- Submit your game concept: Share details about the game you're creating so the ID@XBOX team can review it for release on XBOX.
- Sign your licensing and development agreements: After your concept is approved, sign the Title Licensing Agreement (TLA) and Game Development Kit (GDK) License Agreement.
- Register for Microsoft Partner Center: Accept the App Developer Agreement (ADA), complete enrollment, and share your Seller ID so we can grant your account the right permissions. You can also create or link a Microsoft Entra ID tenant for user access management.
- Complete your onboarding: Finish your Microsoft Vendor (supplier) setup and gain access to the Entertainment Developer Store (EDS) so you can order XBOX development kits.
After you complete XBOX onboarding, you can create XBOX games in Partner Center, enable XBOX services, and begin developing your game by using the GDK. For tutorials, see Game creation and publishing in Partner Center.
How long does onboarding take?
Timelines vary, but it typically takes around two weeks for full XBOX onboarding. Here's a general guide to the onboarding stages.
| Stage | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Receive and sign the NDA | Usually within 20 minutes, but up to three business days. |
| Game concept review and decision | Reviewed every business day; up to three weeks (10–15 business days) for a decision. |
| Partner Center account creation | Instant, if we're able to create your account on your behalf. Variable if you need to create the account. |
| Partner Center account verification (required before you can publish a game) | Usually 3–5 business days, but might take longer if supporting evidence requested during onboarding is incomplete or inaccurate. |
| Entertainment Developer Store (EDS) account setup | Usually five business days. |
Want to start developing sooner?
At any time after you sign the NDA and provide your business information, including while your game concept is under review, you can select Get started in the Start exploring the Game Development Kit (GDK) section of the XBOX Onboarding Hub. This option lets you create a Partner Center account and create a game with access to limited XBOX services. You can start development in secure sandboxes, but you can't publish your game or use certain features, such as XBOX achievements. If your game concept is approved and you complete XBOX onboarding, you get access to full XBOX services and publishing features.
Next steps
- Ready to get started? Register for an XBOX developer program.
- Want to understand who to contact for help along the way? See Who are your XBOX contactsAuthorization required.
Tip
Need help at any stage? Reach out to the ID@XBOX team. ID Setup can help with registration, agreements, Partner Center access, and Vendor ID setup. ID Games can help with game concept details and approvals.
Common issues and troubleshooting
If you have issues when you register as an XBOX creator, review the following information for common troubleshooting tips.
I created my Partner Center account before my ID@XBOX account. How can I link my existing account?
If you created your Partner Center account before you registered for an XBOX developer program, your account doesn't have the necessary permissions for XBOX game development. Don't create a new account when the XBOX Onboarding Hub prompts you to do so. Instead, contact ID SetupAuthorization required with your Partner Center account's Seller ID. ID Setup can link your account and apply the necessary permissions.
If you didn't create a Partner Center account already, wait to create one until the XBOX Onboarding Hub prompts you to do so.
I can't access the secure GDK downloads and documentation, XBOX policies, or Partner Center.
Access to secure resources requires a user account associated with a Partner Center account onboarded for XBOX. If your XBOX onboarding is still in progress, check the XBOX Onboarding Hub to understand your next step. If you completed XBOX onboarding, sign-in using a Microsoft account associated with you Partner Center account when you access secure resources. If you're still unable to access the resources, contact your XBOX support team.
I'm not ready to submit my game concept. Can I still start to develop my game for XBOX?
Yes. During XBOX onboarding, you can skip game concept submission and choose to get started with development. By selecting this option, you create your Partner Center account before you sign a GDK License Agreement and Title Licensing Agreement. Until you submit your game concept for approval, you can create games in Partner Center but you can only use the GDK with limited XBOX services. You can't submit your game for certification or publishing to the Microsoft Store, and you can't use certain XBOX features, such as achievements and gamerscore. You can submit your game concept for approval, and complete your XBOX onboarding, at any time.
I want to use full XBOX services with my game, but I can't enable them in Partner Center. How do I get access?
When you create a new Game in Partner Center, XBOX services are disabled. Before you can enable full XBOX services, you need to request product onboarding. After you register as an XBOX creator, send your game's Store ID to your XBOX support team and request product onboarding. After your game is onboarded, you enable full XBOX services in Game setup. For a step-by-step tutorial, see Create a game and configure game setup.