Microsoft releases Xbox Game Publishing Guide to help devs ship on Xbox
Microsoft has made its Xbox Game Publishing Guide publicly available to help developers learn how to plan, prepare, and launch their titles for Xbox on PC, handhelds, and consoles.
The company, which has come under fire this year for enacting mass layoffs and allowing the Israeli military to leverage its Azure software against Palestinian civilians, said it wants to make it easier for teams of all sizes to understand how to ship a game on Xbox platforms.
"Whether you're a first-time independent developer or a seasoned publisher, you can now browse the guide freely, share it with your team, and reference it throughout development," reads a post on the Microsoft website.
According to Microsoft, the publishing guide provides access to "clear, authoritative guidance" that is essential when planning milestones. The company said those pointers will help developers estimate scope and de-risk their launch plans.
The company noted the guide was recently updated to more effectively steer developers through the ID@Xbox sign-up process and the creation of their first game in the Microsoft Partner Center. It also includes refreshed Wish List, pre-order, and release configuration guidance and new information about Xbox Certification and test services.
"This is not a one-off change. Well continue to improve and grow our documentation, so every developer has the information they need to bring their game to Xbox," reads the blog post. "As we update requirements, streamline workflows, and add new features, the public guide will evolve alongside you."
Microsoft is requesting feedback from developers and publishers who use its documentation in an effort to continue refining its guidance and tools. The company said making the Game Publishing Guide public is another step towards a "more open, collaborative Xbox ecosystem."
"We're excited to see how developers use these resources to plan confidently, ship responsibly, and deliver great experiences for players," it continued. "We'll keep listening, learning, and improving, so you have what you need at every stage from concept to launch."
