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Important
This topic describes features that are only available to Managed Creators with appropriate permissions. For details, speak to your Microsoft contacts.
For any game you intend to develop for release on Microsoft platforms, you're required to have an approved Game Concept.
What is a Game Concept?
Game Concepts provide Microsoft with an overview of your game, including information such as:
- Who is developing the game
- Who is publishing the game
- The expected release date for Microsoft platforms, and actual release date(s) if the product is already released on other platforms
- The platforms you'll release, or have already released the game on
- A description of the game and overview of the key features
- Any supplementary material you can provide including gameplay videos or trailers
How do I submit a new Game Concept?
All Game Concepts are submitted via the online Xbox Game Submission Form, part of the Xbox Game Publishing Hub. If you don't have access to the Hub or form, speak to your Microsoft contacts to get access.
Submit the Game Concept after you have accurate information that's representative of the final product you'll release. If you need to modify the Game Concept after you submit it, communicate any changes to your Microsoft contacts. If there are significant changes, for example, to the game features or publishing and distribution plan, you might need to submit a new Game Concept.
Free-to-Play (F2P) games
You can submit a concept for a game in which the Base Game license is distributed for free and, apart from trials and demos, the users can play the base game indefinitely or to its completion, for free. A game that fits this description is considered F2P.
Before submitting a Game Concept for a F2P product, review the F2P game policies and requirements in the Xbox Games Store Policy, available in the Xbox Publisher Guide.
When submitting a Game Concept for a F2P product, be sure to select the F2P option when completing the Game Submission Form. After selecting the F2P option, provide the required information in the questions that are presented.
Next steps
After your concept has been reviewed, you'll receive notice of the decision. If the Game Concept is approved, you'll receive confirmation of the terms of the concept approval and instructions for proceeding with product creation and setup. If you don't already have a publishing agreement with Microsoft for the game, this agreement will also be provided at this stage.
After your concept has been reviewed and approved by Microsoft, you'll be ready to create a new game product in Partner Center.
Note
Your publishing agreements with Microsoft contain critical information about the requirements that your game is bound to. Ensure you review your publishing agreements in full. Keep a copy of them available for your reference.
For more information about product setup, see Product creation and onboarding.
If you're planning to release different editions of your game, review the SKU planning guidance.