game development
With XNA Game Studio, included as part of the Windows Phone Developer tools, you can create games for Windows, Xbox 360, and Windows Phone. Jump in and play with free tools, learn from our extensive samples and tutorials libraries, then get your game on Xbox LIVE Indie Games and the Windows Phone Marketplace. If you're ready to go professional, Xbox LIVE programs are available for both platforms.
Windows Phone OS 7.1 – Getting Started
New resources are here to get you developing games on the latest version of the Windows Phone development platform. Be sure to get the latest Windows Phone Development Tools, then dive in:
- What’s new for games in Windows Phone OS 7.1
This article describes the new platform features to help you build showcase games for Windows Phone. - Game State Management
Get up and running quickly with our Game State Management sample, which has been updated to better handle the Windows Phone application execution model. - Migration Guide: XNA to Silverlight/XNA
This guide explains how one could migrate a game built on the XNA Framework “Game” class to the new integrated Silverlight/XNA Framework application model. - XNA Game Studio Development with Visual Basic
If you’re a Visual Basic developer, get a jumpstart on game development with this article and accompanying samples. - Learn more with free samples
View more articles and samples about game development for Windows Phone.
what’s new
getting started
Dive into game development using free tools and tutorials.
step-by-step
- Get the Free Tools
Download everything you need in one easy installer - Jump into the Tutorial
Code your own game with video tutorials. - Add Features with Free Samples
Get free game code you can reuse. - Engage with the Community
Ask questions, get advice, and join in discussions.
get into marketplace
Submit your games to Xbox LIVE Indie Games and the Windows Phone Marketplace, and start making money with your creations.
step-by-step
- Sign up for a Membership
Get access to both marketplaces with one membership. - Read the FAQ
Learn about submitting, selling, and reviewing on the Marketplace. - Get Partner Tools
Unlock your game's full potential with great tools from our partners. - Add Features, Tune Performance
The Education Catalog has samples, tutorials, and articles for many popular features.
learn about the marketplace
go professional
Learn about the premier programs available for developers that want to take advantage of Xbox LIVE features and reach a wider audience. Please note: The Xbox LIVE programs are highly selective, available only to developers who have shown a history of quality titles with commercial appeal.
Xbox LIVE Arcade (for Xbox 360)
Reach a broad audience of Xbox LIVE players with Arcade.
Xbox LIVE Games(for Windows Phone)
Microsoft Game Studios is looking for premium games to showcase on Windows Phone.
Xbox 360 program comparisons
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| Xbox LIVE Rich Presense | |
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| Develop with C++ | |
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| Develop with XNA Game Studio | |
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Windows Phone program comparisons
| Indie | Arcade | |
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| Leaderboards | |
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| Achievements | |
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| Develop with XNA Game Studio | |
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