Xbox is preparing for next-gen with a ton of new Xbox GDK dev features — here’s what’s new

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The next Xbox is a PC. Well, sort of.

Last week, we shared that the next Xbox will largely function as a powerful PC. The Xbox handheld, called the Ally, is being used to test and refine the Windows 11 operating system specifically for this new Xbox system. Microsoft is focused on improving how Windows works with things like HDMI connections, graphics in video games, and other features within the Xbox’s PC-based environment.

The Xbox handheld has already made Windows 11 a better gaming platform. It now lets apps like Xbox and Steam start directly in full-screen mode when you log in, bypassing the usual desktop interface to improve performance. More enhancements are planned for future handheld devices. However, Microsoft isn’t just focusing on what players experience – they’re working on improvements behind the scenes as well.

Alongside these changes, Microsoft is also focusing on making things easier for game creators. A major update coming in October 2025 will further combine the development process for Xbox and PC games. Here’s a look at the new features.

A variety of new Xbox dev tools to boost Xbox Play Anywhere

The video above goes into a ton more detail, but here’s what you need to know in brief.

  • GameInput

Microsoft has launched a new GameInput API that simplifies how games handle input from devices like keyboards, mice, Xbox controllers, and custom controllers. According to Microsoft, this new system is built for speed and reliability, working well with different programming approaches, including both immediate checks and event-based responses.

This new API makes the Xbox keyboard work just like it does on Windows. This will help developers create games that feel consistent across all devices – Xbox and Windows PCs – using a single set of code. It simplifies development, especially for Xbox Play Anywhere games, similar to our next improvement.

  • PlayFab Game Saves

Microsoft recently launched PlayFab Game Saves, which expands on its existing Xbox cloud saves to also include Steam. While some games, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, already allow players to share save files across different platforms like PC, Xbox, and PlayStation using custom solutions, PlayFab aims to simplify this process.

Microsoft’s PlayFab Game Saves simplifies game development by managing save files across different platforms like Steam and Xbox. It automatically syncs progress, resolves any conflicts, and even allows players to continue offline. This feature is currently available for testing through the PlayFab Game Manager.

  • Xbox Game Package Manager

The Xbox Game Package Manager is a new app built to simplify how developers submit their games to Xbox. It creates game packages for both Xbox (XVC) and PC (MSIXVC) directly from the game files, and then uploads them using a secure web login. It also works with multiple languages and allows different teams to collaborate easily.

This new tool is designed to make the process smoother for developers creating Xbox Play Anywhere games. Previously, getting a game ready involved several tools, services, and even different teams checking separate versions. Now, everything is handled in one central place, which should reduce errors and make it easier to launch a successful Xbox Play Anywhere game. The old method had many potential issues, increasing the chance of problems during submission.

The Xbox Game Package Manager automatically updates its validation tools, giving developers the latest rules for submitting games. This should make the certification process faster, simplify patching, and decrease the number of failed submissions. It addresses past issues where Xbox patch releases were delayed, ultimately leading to a smoother and more efficient process.

  • ARM64 and x64 executables

The newest version of the Game Developer Kit (GDK) lets developers create a single package that works natively on both ARM64 and x64 devices, unlocking better performance on ARM-based devices. This is another step in Microsoft’s ongoing work to improve Windows gaming on ARM.

  • Cross-Platform Gaming Runtime

Microsoft is now offering developers access to the Xbox API, allowing games on platforms like Steam to connect to Xbox features like login and social networking. This could enable cross-platform play – letting players on PC, Xbox consoles, and other devices play together, or even connect Xbox and PC versions of the same game.

A game dev boost for Xbox’s PC-first future

Xbox is simplifying its development tools by combining everything under a new, flexible system called the PlayFab Unified SDK. Developers can install only the parts they need, making it easier to build games.

Microsoft is integrating its Xbox gaming platform more closely with Windows. This means the tools developers use to create games also need to align. Previously, Xbox and Windows 11 used different tools, making it complicated for developers to implement features like Xbox Play Anywhere.

Microsoft has steadily enhanced its platform, making it increasingly appealing to game publishers. However, some issues remain. Recently, I talked to two independent developers working with Xbox who were struggling to get their games noticed on the PC version of Xbox, even though they followed all the required procedures for the Xbox Play Anywhere program.

The next Xbox seems to be increasingly similar to a PC, which raises some questions about how it will function. Microsoft is trying to make the experience better with devices like the Xbox Ally, offering features like full-screen game apps, automatic resolution enhancement using a dedicated processor (NPU), and complete controller compatibility on Windows. However, features like Xbox Play Anywhere – which lets you sync game saves between your Xbox console and PC – haven’t been widely adopted, especially by major game publishers. Despite this, there’s strong indication that Microsoft will be showcasing more of Xbox Play Anywhere at a partner preview event this month.

Either way, with these improvements, we should begin to see a bigger shift.

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2025-11-10 16:11