Developing Games for
Xbox, Windows (PC/Tablet), Web, and Windows Phone

Microsoft Studios mission is to pioneer hit innovative experiences that deliver on the promise of Microsoft Gaming Platforms. Microsoft Studios has multiple initiatives available for Xbox LIVE enabled games around Windows (PC/Tablet), Web, Windows Phone, and Xbox LIVE Arcade platforms.


Game App Hub

Get the free tools to make games and apps for Xbox, Windows (PC/Tablet), and Windows Phone at the Apps Hub. Connect with other developers on the forums, then submit and sell your own apps and games on Windows Phone Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Indie Games Marketplace.
Get the tools free at the App Hub website.

Retail and Kinect Game Development on Xbox 360

Microsoft Studios is the leading publisher of Kinect titles on Xbox 360 including Gears of War, Forza, Fable Journey, Kinect Star Wars, Kinectimals, Dance Central and more. If you would like to discuss publishing opportunities with Microsoft Studios, please feel free to contact Retail and Kinect Business Development at gamesub@microsoft.com.

Kinect Game Development on Windows

The Kinect for Windows sensor and SDK give you the tools you need to develop innovative applications that harness speech and human tracking. Now, the power is in your hands to enable people to interact with technology in completely new and exciting ways. If you would like to learn more about Kinect for Windows please visit us at www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/.


Xbox LIVE Arcade Game Development

Xbox LIVE Arcade offers downloadable high-quality games through Xbox LIVE Marketplace with the ability to create connected experiences across multiple Microsoft platforms (Xbox, Windows (PC/Tablet), Windows Phone). If you are interested in working with Microsoft Studios, please feel free to contact Xbox LIVE Arcade Business Development at arcade@microsoft.com.
Find out more about developing Arcade titles.

Xbox LIVE Web Game Development

The Xbox LIVE Web Game platform allows you to distribute free-to-play web games on Xbox.com and Bing which include Xbox LIVE integration and the ability to create connected experiences across multiple Microsoft platforms (Xbox/Windows (PC/Tablet)/Web/Windows Phone). If you are interested in working with Microsoft Studios, please feel free to contact Xbox LIVE Web Business Development at webgames@microsoft.com.

Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone Game Development

The Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone Game Marketplace features a select portfolio of games for next generation smartphones, which include Xbox LIVE integration and the ability to create connected experiences across multiple Microsoft platforms (Xbox/Windows (PC/Tablet)/Web/Windows Phone).  If you are interested in working with Microsoft Studios, please feel free to contact Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone Business Development at mobilegames@microsoft.com.

Xbox LIVE on Windows (PC/Tablet) Game Development

The premier source for all-up entertainment, the Xbox LIVE on Windows (PC/Tablet) Game Marketplace features the best game, video, and music experiences with Xbox LIVE integration and the ability to create connected experiences across multiple Microsoft platforms (Xbox/Windows (PC/Tablet)/Web/Windows Phone).  If you are interested in working with Microsoft Studios, please feel free to contact Xbox LIVE on Windows Business Development: at windowsgames@microsoft.com.


Registered Developer Program

The Xbox 360 Registered Developers Program licenses independent professional development companies of Xbox 360 Retail and Arcade titles to obtain full Xbox 360 Development Kits. These development kits help to create innovative new games on Xbox 360 as well as affording an opportunity to present their ideas to publishing partners in a timely fashion.
Find out more about the Registered Developers Program.

Tools and Middleware

The Xbox 360 Tools and Middleware Program licenses the Xbox 360 Development Kit to professional software developers working on tools and middleware for games. Once accepted into the program, these companies are allowed to share and distribute their Xbox 360 technologies with other licensed Xbox 360 developers.
Get details on the Tools and Middleware program.