Microsoft Game Dev
@msftgamedev.bsky.social
Let's make games!
Home of the Microsoft Game Developer Community. Join us on Discord: https:/discord.gg/msftgamedev
Home of the Microsoft Game Developer Community. Join us on Discord: https:/discord.gg/msftgamedev
Pinned
Did you know we have a Discord? 🤔
If you want to:
🧑🤝🧑Meet fellow developers
🤝 Connect with Microsoft/Xbox Developer experts
📢 Keep up to date on MS Game Dev news
You should come join us! 🔗 https://msft.it/63326SdA64
If you want to:
🧑🤝🧑Meet fellow developers
🤝 Connect with Microsoft/Xbox Developer experts
📢 Keep up to date on MS Game Dev news
You should come join us! 🔗 https://msft.it/63326SdA64
⚠️Heads up, PlayFab game developers: Insights Management and GetPlayerInSegment APIs are retiring starting March 31.
For more information and to learn more about the PlayFab Data Connections feature, see our latest blog: msft.it/63327tMKrv
For more information and to learn more about the PlayFab Data Connections feature, see our latest blog: msft.it/63327tMKrv
PlayFab Insights Management and GetPlayerInSegment APIs to be Retired Starting March 31
Maximize the value of your data estate with our enhanced data connections feature and improved player segmentation exports.
msft.it
November 11, 2025 at 12:51 AM
⚠️Heads up, PlayFab game developers: Insights Management and GetPlayerInSegment APIs are retiring starting March 31.
For more information and to learn more about the PlayFab Data Connections feature, see our latest blog: msft.it/63327tMKrv
For more information and to learn more about the PlayFab Data Connections feature, see our latest blog: msft.it/63327tMKrv
The October 2025 GDK has arrived! 🎉
Tons of exciting updates from a new GameInput API to unify Xbox and PC devices, PlayFab Game Saves for cross progression, unified packaging and upload management, and more: msft.it/63321tJuix
Tons of exciting updates from a new GameInput API to unify Xbox and PC devices, PlayFab Game Saves for cross progression, unified packaging and upload management, and more: msft.it/63321tJuix
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
The October 2025 GDK has arrived! 🎉
Tons of exciting updates from a new GameInput API to unify Xbox and PC devices, PlayFab Game Saves for cross progression, unified packaging and upload management, and more: msft.it/63321tJuix
Tons of exciting updates from a new GameInput API to unify Xbox and PC devices, PlayFab Game Saves for cross progression, unified packaging and upload management, and more: msft.it/63321tJuix
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
Material merging is a useful tool to reduce draw calls. This is especially important for mobile and VR games.
Here we'll showcase how to do it with Simplygon's #Blender3d plugin.
youtu.be/kB7Esq5RL80
#gamedev
Here we'll showcase how to do it with Simplygon's #Blender3d plugin.
youtu.be/kB7Esq5RL80
#gamedev
Material merging in Blender
YouTube video by Simplygon
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Material merging is a useful tool to reduce draw calls. This is especially important for mobile and VR games.
Here we'll showcase how to do it with Simplygon's #Blender3d plugin.
youtu.be/kB7Esq5RL80
#gamedev
Here we'll showcase how to do it with Simplygon's #Blender3d plugin.
youtu.be/kB7Esq5RL80
#gamedev
From solo dev to small team success, Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) talks with @seattleindies.bsky.social about motivation, creative process, and the unique pressures that come following a smash hit like Stardew Valley.
msft.it/63325tDrS1
msft.it/63325tDrS1
SLICE 2025: Fireside Chat with Eric Barone of Stardew Valley
Eric Barone (aka ConcernedApe), the solo creator of Stardew Valley, and Seattle Indies VP Ty Taylor have a casual chat about indie game development.
Learn more at https://msft.it/63322tDrS8
msft.it
October 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
From solo dev to small team success, Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) talks with @seattleindies.bsky.social about motivation, creative process, and the unique pressures that come following a smash hit like Stardew Valley.
msft.it/63325tDrS1
msft.it/63325tDrS1
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
Today, we’re taking a closer look at Simplygon’s newest #gamedev feature.
Discover how the clustered meshlet optimizer enables continuous LOD for modern mesh shader pipelines.
simplygon.com/posts/9886e4...
Discover how the clustered meshlet optimizer enables continuous LOD for modern mesh shader pipelines.
simplygon.com/posts/9886e4...
October 27, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Today, we’re taking a closer look at Simplygon’s newest #gamedev feature.
Discover how the clustered meshlet optimizer enables continuous LOD for modern mesh shader pipelines.
simplygon.com/posts/9886e4...
Discover how the clustered meshlet optimizer enables continuous LOD for modern mesh shader pipelines.
simplygon.com/posts/9886e4...
Kickstart your #GameDev journey with @godotengine.org! 🎮 Beginner-friendly videos to help you learn fast and create your next project.
Start watching now: msft.it/63329sCFMz
Start watching now: msft.it/63329sCFMz
Introduction to Godot C# Essentials: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Welcome to your first step into game development with Godot and C#! This beginner-friendly training series walks you through the essentials of using C# insid...
msft.it
October 22, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Kickstart your #GameDev journey with @godotengine.org! 🎮 Beginner-friendly videos to help you learn fast and create your next project.
Start watching now: msft.it/63329sCFMz
Start watching now: msft.it/63329sCFMz
Hey #GameDev - we know optimizing for mobile games can be complicated, but @simplygon.com has tools to help you streamline your development process!
🛠️Read more in our latest blog: msft.it/63325sCLsV
🛠️Read more in our latest blog: msft.it/63325sCLsV
Automated Asset Optimization for Mobile Games with Simplygon
Take a closer look at how mobile game developers can reduce the cost of art optimization to increase profits.
msft.it
October 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Hey #GameDev - we know optimizing for mobile games can be complicated, but @simplygon.com has tools to help you streamline your development process!
🛠️Read more in our latest blog: msft.it/63325sCLsV
🛠️Read more in our latest blog: msft.it/63325sCLsV
Got your hands on an ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X yet? Planning on developing for handheld?
🔖 Don't forget to bookmark our Handheld Development hub, your one-stop shop for tips, tricks, and resources for your next project: msft.it/63328sfFj0
🔖 Don't forget to bookmark our Handheld Development hub, your one-stop shop for tips, tricks, and resources for your next project: msft.it/63328sfFj0
Xbox Handheld Gaming Developer Resource Hub
For the first time, game developers can tap into our gaming ecosystem that spans console, PC and handhelds. Give players the gift of seamless continuity by building a unified, intelligent experience that delivers the power of Xbox with the freedom of Windows.
msft.it
October 17, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Got your hands on an ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X yet? Planning on developing for handheld?
🔖 Don't forget to bookmark our Handheld Development hub, your one-stop shop for tips, tricks, and resources for your next project: msft.it/63328sfFj0
🔖 Don't forget to bookmark our Handheld Development hub, your one-stop shop for tips, tricks, and resources for your next project: msft.it/63328sfFj0
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
Billboard clouds can be a lifesaver for #gamedev assets where neither reduction nor remeshing works. In this blog we will have a look at how to fine tune the optimization settings for them.
simplygon.com/posts/a2ea9a...
simplygon.com/posts/a2ea9a...
October 13, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Billboard clouds can be a lifesaver for #gamedev assets where neither reduction nor remeshing works. In this blog we will have a look at how to fine tune the optimization settings for them.
simplygon.com/posts/a2ea9a...
simplygon.com/posts/a2ea9a...
Need some #indiedev content to watch this weekend? @seattleindies.bsky.social has plenty of videos of this year's inaugural SLICE 2025 event going up now!
Subscribe to hear from experienced developers from across the industry and learn what SLICE is all about: msft.it/63324sF2SY
Subscribe to hear from experienced developers from across the industry and learn what SLICE is all about: msft.it/63324sF2SY
SLICE 2025 Highlight Reel
Relive the excitement of the inaugural SLICE with this highlight reel recapping the day's events. SLICE drew close to 900 game development professionals from the Greater Seattle area and beyond, featuring 25 sessions of panels, workshops, roundtables, and speed networking.
SLICE brought together seasoned developers, indie and AA studio founders, publishers, platforms, service providers, students, and indie devs looking for feedback on their WIP games for an electrifying day of community and connections.
Check out all of the fun from this year's event and mark September 2, 2026 on your calendar as SLICE is set to return! Keep an eye here and on https://msft.it/63321sF2S9 for the announcement of the release of the recorded sessions from this year's event in the coming weeks.
https://msft.it/63322sF2Si
https://msft.it/63323sF2Sc
msft.it
October 10, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Need some #indiedev content to watch this weekend? @seattleindies.bsky.social has plenty of videos of this year's inaugural SLICE 2025 event going up now!
Subscribe to hear from experienced developers from across the industry and learn what SLICE is all about: msft.it/63324sF2SY
Subscribe to hear from experienced developers from across the industry and learn what SLICE is all about: msft.it/63324sF2SY
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
Simplygon can use #UnrealEngine 's Nav Mesh for visibility culling. This is an useful way to remove triangles never visible from the player's point of view.
Let us look at how to use us it when creating standins.
youtu.be/SjXuVgWEPGg
#gamedev
Let us look at how to use us it when creating standins.
youtu.be/SjXuVgWEPGg
#gamedev
Visibility culling using Nav Mesh in Unreal Engine
YouTube video by Simplygon
youtu.be
October 6, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Simplygon can use #UnrealEngine 's Nav Mesh for visibility culling. This is an useful way to remove triangles never visible from the player's point of view.
Let us look at how to use us it when creating standins.
youtu.be/SjXuVgWEPGg
#gamedev
Let us look at how to use us it when creating standins.
youtu.be/SjXuVgWEPGg
#gamedev
Want to stay on top of all our latest news and tools? 👀 Take a look at our new Tools & Services Hub!
Inside you'll find all the latest info for handheld development, GDK and PlayFab updates, news from our middleware partners, and more: msft.it/63320sFV78
Inside you'll find all the latest info for handheld development, GDK and PlayFab updates, news from our middleware partners, and more: msft.it/63320sFV78
What's New in Microsoft Game Dev Tools and Services
Check out an overview of the latest updates to Microsoft Game Development tools and services.
msft.it
October 10, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Want to stay on top of all our latest news and tools? 👀 Take a look at our new Tools & Services Hub!
Inside you'll find all the latest info for handheld development, GDK and PlayFab updates, news from our middleware partners, and more: msft.it/63320sFV78
Inside you'll find all the latest info for handheld development, GDK and PlayFab updates, news from our middleware partners, and more: msft.it/63320sFV78
Material merging in #Unity can help you reduce draw calls, great for optimizing assets for lower end platforms or virtual reality.
💡Learn more from Simplygon: msft.it/63325svzP9
💡Learn more from Simplygon: msft.it/63325svzP9
Getting started with draw call optimization in Unity
In this blog we'll have a look at how to optimize draw calls in Unity using material merging. We'll cover how to both UI and C# scripting.
msft.it
October 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Material merging in #Unity can help you reduce draw calls, great for optimizing assets for lower end platforms or virtual reality.
💡Learn more from Simplygon: msft.it/63325svzP9
💡Learn more from Simplygon: msft.it/63325svzP9
Clever reuse of textures can net you valuable optimization. In @simplygon.com's latest blog, they demonstrate how to create a cross billboard to do just that!
📖Read more: msft.it/63322svO2p
📖Read more: msft.it/63322svO2p
How to create a cross billboard impostor
In this blog post, we’ll demonstrate how to use impostor from single view, along with some scene graph manipulation—specifically copying and rotating—to create a cross billboard. A cross billboard consists of two axis-aligned impostors, using the same texture in this example.
msft.it
October 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Clever reuse of textures can net you valuable optimization. In @simplygon.com's latest blog, they demonstrate how to create a cross billboard to do just that!
📖Read more: msft.it/63322svO2p
📖Read more: msft.it/63322svO2p
Thoughtful environmental design can really breathe life into a game. 🪴
What's the smallest little detail you've put into a project you think no one noticed? #AskADev
What's the smallest little detail you've put into a project you think no one noticed? #AskADev
October 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Thoughtful environmental design can really breathe life into a game. 🪴
What's the smallest little detail you've put into a project you think no one noticed? #AskADev
What's the smallest little detail you've put into a project you think no one noticed? #AskADev
Optimization can be time-consuming, but is well worth the effort with the right tools!
With these four fundamental tools, @simplygon.com can help you build an automated character optimization pipeline in no time: msft.it/63329svPmZ
With these four fundamental tools, @simplygon.com can help you build an automated character optimization pipeline in no time: msft.it/63329svPmZ
The Four Fundamental Simplygon Tools for Automated Character Optimization
From triangle reduction to material merging, learn more about building an automated character optimization pipeline.
msft.it
October 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Optimization can be time-consuming, but is well worth the effort with the right tools!
With these four fundamental tools, @simplygon.com can help you build an automated character optimization pipeline in no time: msft.it/63329svPmZ
With these four fundamental tools, @simplygon.com can help you build an automated character optimization pipeline in no time: msft.it/63329svPmZ
The latest PlayFab Digest for September is now live! 🎉
September brings a few new updates and an upcoming deprecation for GetPlayersInSegment APIs. Check out the full blog for more info: msft.it/63321svKkt
September brings a few new updates and an upcoming deprecation for GetPlayersInSegment APIs. Check out the full blog for more info: msft.it/63321svKkt
PlayFab Digest: September Feature Updates
Take a closer look at the enhancements to PlayFab for the month of September.
msft.it
September 30, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The latest PlayFab Digest for September is now live! 🎉
September brings a few new updates and an upcoming deprecation for GetPlayersInSegment APIs. Check out the full blog for more info: msft.it/63321svKkt
September brings a few new updates and an upcoming deprecation for GetPlayersInSegment APIs. Check out the full blog for more info: msft.it/63321svKkt
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
A big congratulations to our sister studio, MachineGames, on the launch of Indiana Jones: The Order of Giants!
We are proud that Simplygon technology has helped to optimize the ancient streets of Rome and all the hidden, forgotten catacombs.
indianajones.bethesda.net/en-EU/buy-no...
We are proud that Simplygon technology has helped to optimize the ancient streets of Rome and all the hidden, forgotten catacombs.
indianajones.bethesda.net/en-EU/buy-no...
September 11, 2025 at 8:51 AM
A big congratulations to our sister studio, MachineGames, on the launch of Indiana Jones: The Order of Giants!
We are proud that Simplygon technology has helped to optimize the ancient streets of Rome and all the hidden, forgotten catacombs.
indianajones.bethesda.net/en-EU/buy-no...
We are proud that Simplygon technology has helped to optimize the ancient streets of Rome and all the hidden, forgotten catacombs.
indianajones.bethesda.net/en-EU/buy-no...
Indie devs and games are a vital part of our business and strategy. We're helping our partners find their audiences, and programs like @idatxbox.bsky.social and Game Pass allow us to invest in their success.
Read more on our efforts at Eurogamer:
Read more on our efforts at Eurogamer:
"It was really hard to publish on Xbox. It was our job to make it easier."
Inside Xbox's increasingly vital indie publishing operation:
www.eurogamer.net/inside-xboxs...
Inside Xbox's increasingly vital indie publishing operation:
www.eurogamer.net/inside-xboxs...
September 22, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Indie devs and games are a vital part of our business and strategy. We're helping our partners find their audiences, and programs like @idatxbox.bsky.social and Game Pass allow us to invest in their success.
Read more on our efforts at Eurogamer:
Read more on our efforts at Eurogamer:
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
Since our initial release of Simplygon 10.4, we have added several new features, improvements, and fixes.
⭐ New clustered meshlet optimizer
⭐ Improvement to high-density reducer
⭐ Improvements to UE plugin
And much more, read all about it here.
simplygon.com/posts/999239...
⭐ New clustered meshlet optimizer
⭐ Improvement to high-density reducer
⭐ Improvements to UE plugin
And much more, read all about it here.
simplygon.com/posts/999239...
September 18, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Since our initial release of Simplygon 10.4, we have added several new features, improvements, and fixes.
⭐ New clustered meshlet optimizer
⭐ Improvement to high-density reducer
⭐ Improvements to UE plugin
And much more, read all about it here.
simplygon.com/posts/999239...
⭐ New clustered meshlet optimizer
⭐ Improvement to high-density reducer
⭐ Improvements to UE plugin
And much more, read all about it here.
simplygon.com/posts/999239...
Attention: The latest PlayFab Digest is now available!
From creating engaging community events to controlling real-time data flow, there’s something for development teams of every size in August’s updates: msft.it/63328sYbvu
From creating engaging community events to controlling real-time data flow, there’s something for development teams of every size in August’s updates: msft.it/63328sYbvu
Introducing PlayFab Game Saves
Unlock seamless cross-platform game progression - now available in public preview.
msft.it
September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Attention: The latest PlayFab Digest is now available!
From creating engaging community events to controlling real-time data flow, there’s something for development teams of every size in August’s updates: msft.it/63328sYbvu
From creating engaging community events to controlling real-time data flow, there’s something for development teams of every size in August’s updates: msft.it/63328sYbvu
In our latest Office Hours Recap, we talk to Stacey Haffner and learn about her journey in the game industry as both a program manager and an independent #gamedev!
Read about Stacey here:
🔗: developer.microsoft.com/games/articl...
Read about Stacey here:
🔗: developer.microsoft.com/games/articl...
September 16, 2025 at 4:23 PM
In our latest Office Hours Recap, we talk to Stacey Haffner and learn about her journey in the game industry as both a program manager and an independent #gamedev!
Read about Stacey here:
🔗: developer.microsoft.com/games/articl...
Read about Stacey here:
🔗: developer.microsoft.com/games/articl...
As developers, we want our games to look great. When it comes to handhelds, you have to be careful balancing power with performance. 🤔
Our latest blog series digs into this: msft.it/63326sYbNA
Our latest blog series digs into this: msft.it/63326sYbNA
Windows Gaming Handhelds: Balancing Performance and Power Efficiency
A new series of game developer guidance about how to manage game settings on battery-powered devices for the best balance of playtime and gameplay experience.
msft.it
September 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
As developers, we want our games to look great. When it comes to handhelds, you have to be careful balancing power with performance. 🤔
Our latest blog series digs into this: msft.it/63326sYbNA
Our latest blog series digs into this: msft.it/63326sYbNA
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
🚨 Indie Selects has a new home! 🚨
You'll be able to find our Weekly & Monthly Collections on Xbox as always, but now you may find everything on our new site: Xbox.com/IndieSelects
You'll be able to find our Weekly & Monthly Collections on Xbox as always, but now you may find everything on our new site: Xbox.com/IndieSelects
September 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
🚨 Indie Selects has a new home! 🚨
You'll be able to find our Weekly & Monthly Collections on Xbox as always, but now you may find everything on our new site: Xbox.com/IndieSelects
You'll be able to find our Weekly & Monthly Collections on Xbox as always, but now you may find everything on our new site: Xbox.com/IndieSelects
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
To optimize geometry and draw calls distant objects can be optimized into simple billboards.
Let us look at how to use impostor from single view in #unity3d.
youtube.com/watch?v=9Vul...
#gamedev
Let us look at how to use impostor from single view in #unity3d.
youtube.com/watch?v=9Vul...
#gamedev
Optimize models to simple quad impostor in Unity
YouTube video by Simplygon
youtube.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:34 AM
To optimize geometry and draw calls distant objects can be optimized into simple billboards.
Let us look at how to use impostor from single view in #unity3d.
youtube.com/watch?v=9Vul...
#gamedev
Let us look at how to use impostor from single view in #unity3d.
youtube.com/watch?v=9Vul...
#gamedev