GDK

> though I'm not so sure about Microsoft GDK is open-source (https://github.com/microsoft/gdk), but to be fair there is a possibility that there are some parts under NDA.

Unfortunately not everything. For example, no xbox 360 controller support: https://github.com/microsoft/GDK/issues/39

Just a friendly reminder that UWP is deprecated as Windows programming model, C++/WinRT is stuck in C++17, in maintenance mode only taking bug fixes, and XBox has moved into Game Development Kit as official replacement for anyone that eventually would like to convert their indie efforts into a commercial game. > Using Win32 + GDK is the primary, supported app model to build games for Xbox console, Xbox Game Pass (both Xbox and PC), and Xbox Game Streaming* > Key Feature is that only Win32 + GDK fully supports all Microsoft Gameplay Services (Xbox Live identity, multiplayer, chat, leaderboards, achievements, commerce, etc.), and is required for Xbox Game Pass(1) on both console and PC > For developers building Win32 games on PC today, Win32 + GDK builds on the Win32 C/C++ programming models to unify development across Xbox consoles and Win

Ah damn, seems you're right. From the GDK GitHub (https://github.com/microsoft/gdk): > How do I run a GDK game built for the Xbox App on Windows 10 or Xbox Game Pass for PC on Xbox Consoles? > Xbox console development requires the “Microsoft Game Development Kit with Xbox Extensions (GDKX)”. Games will need to retarget and rebuild for Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S with the GDKX installed. > You need to download, install, and retarget your project for Xbox consoles using the GDKX > The GDKX is currently only available under confidential license within an NDA Xbox program (e.g. ID@Xbox). Sorry for giving you false hope!

> I have not been able to figure out how to download xCurl in any form I think it will be somewhere in here. It will probably get installed on your PC with this thing. https://github.com/microsoft/GDK edit: you can see references to xurl.dll and xurl.h here, which is GDK examples https://github.com/search?q=repo%3Amicrosoft%2FXbox-GDK-Samp... so the xcurl.dll and xurl.h is really probably in the installer.

I wouldn't bother with UWP in that case. Now with GDK, the XBox has made quite clear that UWP is on the death row. https://github.com/microsoft/GDK => How does the GDK compare to the Microsoft Universal Windows Platform (UWP)? "UWP apps and games are community-supported only; partners inside Xbox managed programs (Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Game Streaming) should use Microsoft Win32 + GDK." I expect a fate similar to XNA, given that HoloLens also deprecated UWP.

You can see the signs of this happening live, UWP dropped from WinUI roadmap and desktop focus, https://github.com/microsoft/microsoft-ui-xaml/blob/main/doc... While Project Reunion gets renamed into Windows App SDK https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2021/06/24/what-w... C++/WinRT also does COM anyway, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/cpp-and-winrt-a... All Language/WinRT SDKs become /windows, https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2021/05/06/announ... https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2021/01/21/making... Microsoft Game Development Kit makes it clear that for AAA titles, the Win32 + GDK model is the future, while WinRT APIs are being deprecated, and only community support is planned for UWP, not from Microft XBox teams. https://github.com/microsoft/GDK So one just needs to read between the lines, combine