This article guides Unity developers through building and deploying projects to XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S. It explains that the XBOX build module is hidden until you register with Microsoft, link an eligible Unity Pro or Enterprise license, and request XBOX development access. Steps include registering as a Microsoft or XBOX developer, verifying your Unity license, requesting access via the Microsoft Game Developer Network, and downloading the Unity Game Core build modules. Troubleshooting tips and support contacts are also provided.
Is this article for you?
This article can help if:
- You want to build and deploy a Unity project to XBOX One or XBOX Series X|S.
- You can’t find or download the XBOX build module in Unity Hub.
- You’re getting started with XBOX development and aren’t sure where to begin.
Why the XBOX build module is hidden
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following in place:
- An active, seat-based Unity Pro or Unity Enterprise license (a Student or Educator plan seat also qualifies). Free Educational Grant licenses don’t qualify.
- A Microsoft developer registration. See Step 1 for the paths available to you.
- A free Unity Discussions account, created at discussions.unity.com. You’ll need this before XBOX forum access can be set up for you.
Step 1: Register as a Microsoft or XBOX developer
Choose the path that fits your situation:
- ID@XBOX program: Microsoft’s primary path for XBOX development today, open to everyone from indie developers to established studios. It’s free to join at xbox.com/en-GB/developers/id. If you also want to connect your game to XBOX Live, you’ll need a full Microsoft Developer account as well.
- Registered Microsoft Developer: The right path for established studios and publishers. Register at developer.microsoft.com. Once registered, you’ll be assigned a Microsoft account manager and given access to the Microsoft Game Developer Network (GDN).
- Publish through an existing publisher: If you’d rather not register with Microsoft directly, you can partner with an already-registered publisher. They handle the NDA and title registration, then authorize your team for GDK and Unity XBOX module access.
Step 2: Confirm your Unity license is eligible
Microsoft doesn’t offer free Unity development tools for XBOX, so you’ll need one of the following Unity licenses, with a seat assigned to the Unity ID you plan to use:
- Unity Pro.
- Unity Enterprise.
- A Student or Educator plan, with a seat assigned to your account.
Note: Educational Grant licenses aren’t seat-based and won’t qualify for XBOX forum or build access. If you don’t yet have an eligible license, reach out to your Unity representative or visit the online store to purchase Unity Pro.
Step 3: Request XBOX development access from Microsoft
Access is now self-serve, so there’s no need to wait for an account manager to email Unity on your behalf:
- Log in to the Microsoft Game Developer Network (GDN) portal.
- Go to the Secure GDK Middleware Request page.
- Submit the request and select Unity as your middleware provider.
See the article, "How can I access the Unity XBOX Forums?" for detailed instructions on forum access.
Step 4: Verify your Unity account
- Once Microsoft processes your request, you’ll receive a welcome email with a secure verification link.
- Click the link and sign in with the Unity ID that holds your eligible Pro or Enterprise seat. It’s fine if this email is different from the one on your Microsoft account; that’s expected.
- Once your license is verified, you’re automatically granted access to the private XBOX forums on Unity Discussions. There’s no need to reply to the email or wait for manual approval.
Tip: If you submit more than one request, only the link in the most recent email will work.
Step 5: Download Unity for Game Core
- Sign in to your Unity Discussions account.
- Open the Unity for Game Core Downloads thread.
- Download the Game Core build modules that match your installed Unity Editor version.
- After installing, follow the setup guide included with the module.
Troubleshooting common issues
If something isn’t working as expected, check here first:
| If you see this | Try this |
| A “license not detected” error right after purchasing or getting assigned a seat | License and seat data can take up to 24 hours to sync across Unity’s systems. Wait a day, then try the verification link again. |
| The verification email uses a different email address than your Microsoft account | That’s expected. Sign in with the Unity ID that holds your Pro or Enterprise seat, even if it doesn’t match your Microsoft account email. |
| A “critical error occurred” message when linking accounts | This means your Microsoft account is already linked to a different Unity ID. Contact Unity Support to have the existing link cleared. |
| Multiple verification emails in your inbox | Only the link in the most recent email is valid — links in earlier emails won’t work. |
Need more help?
If your studio needs additional teammates added to the XBOX forums, contact your Microsoft account manager to request access. For any other questions about your Unity license or account, reach out to Unity Support.