Testing packages on a development PC

This section will describe how to test a PC Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) game after it has been successfully packaged into an MSIXVC build file, in addition to providing diagnostic steps on the GamingServices dependencies that need to be present to run an installed package successfully.

To install the following components, and to test packaged games by using this Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK), a 19H1 build of Windows is required on the target development PC.

Testing an app

When you have an MSIXVC build file for testing on your development PC, install it by using the wdapp.exe install <MSIXVC> command. For more information on installing and managing your PC Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) title, please see Utilizing Microsoft Game Development Kit tools to install and launch your PC title.

Diagnosing and troubleshooting Gaming Services dependencies

The MSIXVC packaging and deployment steps for the development PC depend on the Gaming Services package being installed. The GamingServices package is installed as part of installing the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) and should not require any manual steps to set up.

If you are running into issues that indicate a Gaming Services package is missing, confirm that this package is installed by run the following Windows PowerShell command:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.GamingServices

If you find that the package isn't present, first try repairing your Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) installation. If not, locate the GamingServices.msixbundle package within the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) installation directory, and run the following command to install it:
Add-AppxPackage <PathToGamingServices.msixbundle>

If you suspect there's a problem with the Gaming Services package, you can manually remove it by calling the following from an administrator command prompt:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.GamingServices* | Remove-AppxPackage -allusers

Finally, to manually acquire or update Gaming Services, download it from the Microsoft Store by using the following link.

Gaming Services in Microsoft Store

The version string must be found from the Get-AppxPackage command and entered exactly in this command.