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msftgamedev.bsky.social
Microsoft Game Dev
@msftgamedev.bsky.social
2.1K followers 81 following 170 posts
Let's make games!

Home of the Microsoft Game Developer Community. Join us on Discord: https:/discord.gg/msftgamedev
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msftgamedev.bsky.social
Microsoft Game Dev @msftgamedev.bsky.social · Nov 12
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! 🔗 discord.gg/msftgamedev
The Microsoft Game Dev profile is shown here. The banner at the top is purple with a cube, geometric shape on the right side. It bears the text "Powering Games, Empowering Creators." The MSGD logo is on the left side, which has the Windows and Xbox logos in white on a purple background. In the main section of text, the following information is listed: Microsoft Game Dev (Verified symbol) 2,179 Online | 10, 746 Members Est. Mar 2020 The official home for game devs, hosted by Microsoft. Learn, grow, and connect while publishing to Xbox! 💡 Knowledgeable 🤔 Curious ☺️ Professional +2 more
msftgamedev.bsky.social
We're almost to the end of 2025. 😲 The year's really flown by, hasn't it?

What's your greatest #gamedev accomplishment this year? We'd love to celebrate your wins! 🎉
December 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Our final Office Hours Recap blog for 2025 is now available. 🎉

Come learn everything about the @idatxbox.bsky.social Developer Acceleration Program from program director James Lewis. msft.it/63321toWgX
Office Hours Recap - James Lewis
James Lewis, Director of the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program (DAP) joined us to go over the program in detail, covering everything from its history to best practices for applying.
msft.it
December 18, 2025 at 11:05 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
We've had that one stuck in our head all day, really. 🎼

Tell us your most memorable game soundtrack! #gamedev
December 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
High-quality Level of Detail (LOD) models for vehicles can make or break the performance and visual fidelity in racing games. 🏎️💨

Want to hit top speed? Check out our latest blog for (5) expert tips using @simplygon.com : msft.it/63326tc40o
How to Create AAA Quality Vehicle LODs for Racing Games with Simplygon
Five expert tips for optimizing high-quality Level of Detail (LOD) models for vehicles using Simplygon.
msft.it
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Our final Office Hours for 2025 is just around the corner! We'll be hosting a laid-back Let's Play as we close out the year.

Drop by our Discord and let's take a look back on the year while we get digging: discord.gg/msftgamedev
A purple promotional graphic for a Discord “Open Office Hours Community Let’s Play” event scheduled for December 12, 2025 at 11 AM PT. The top features the Discord logo along with Xbox branding. Below, a game cover for “Digging a Hole” appears on the left, and on the right is a circular photo frame containing a person outdoors. Decorative lines and UI‑style elements accent the layout.
December 11, 2025 at 1:06 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Did you know? We host a monthly Art Jam on our community Discord! We provide the prompt; you doodle your interpretation and the game dev community votes on their favorites at the end of the month!

🎨Try your hand in this month's challenge on Discord: discord.gg/msftgamedev
A cute green dinosaur holds a white handheld gaming console in its mouth, gripping it gently between its teeth. The dino stands upright and carries an orange jack-o’-lantern candy bucket with both hands. The background is a warm gradient of yellow to orange, giving the image a playful Halloween vibe. A whimsical creature with cat‑like features stands upright wearing a festive red holiday sweater decorated with reindeer. It has a large red nose, a fluffy gray beard, and small branch-like decorations on its head. The creature holds a bunch of mistletoe tied with a red ribbon in one hand and carries a woven basket on its back filled with a small Christmas tree topped with a glowing yellow star. Its long tail curls behind it, ending in a tiny bell ornament. A large gray wolf is curled up peacefully, sleeping with its paws tucked in. Nestled against its chest is a small doll dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. Above them, nine cartoonish hunter icons are shown, each crossed out with a bold red “X,” creating a humorous tally. The scene has a warm yellow‑to‑orange gradient background and a playful, storybook tone. A cozy pencil sketch of a dragon lounging in an overstuffed armchair, wearing a patterned sweater. The dragon smokes a pipe, with a curl of smoke rising above its head, and reads an open book resting on its lap. One clawed foot is propped up, wings folded behind the chair, and its long tail drapes over the side. The scene feels warm, calm, and storybook-like.
December 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
idatxbox.bsky.social
We’re thrilled to launch the Indie Selects Demo Fest! Starting today, discover over 30 amazing game demos—now including PC and Handheld titles for the first time!

Learn More & Get Started: xbx.social/63328t9oEy #xbox #idxbox #indiegames
Indie Selects Demo Fest Promo Art
December 9, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
simplygon.com
Congratulations to Ubisoft Mainz on launching Anno 117: Pax Romana! 🏛️

A stunning city builder optimized with Simplygon technology.

Start shaping your legacy as Governor today.
www.anno-union.com/games/anno-1...
November 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
The latest Office Hours Recap is now available!

We opened up discussion to our Discord community to talk about engagement. What does it mean for gameplay? How does it differ in social media marketing? And how do the two relate?

Read more: msft.it/63324t5ELp
Office Hours Recap - Engagement
During our weekly Office Hours sessions, we sometimes discuss open game development topics with our community. In this recap, we cover a two-part discussion about engagement and what that can mean for both gameplay and social media marketing.
msft.it
December 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
simplygon.com
Vegetation optimization can be a tricky #gamedev area.

Here is how to tackle it in #unity3d with a combination of triangle reduction and billboard clouds.

youtu.be/MNR-fmlLYh4
Two trees, one optimized and one not optimized.
December 1, 2025 at 2:17 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Congratulations @expedition33.bsky.social! 🎊 You're officially the biggest new third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

You're leading the way for third party game developers and we couldn't be happier for you!
December 5, 2025 at 12:23 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Even the most polished games can crash. 😩 What's important is setting your pipeline up to provide a quick response!

From crash to fix, our latest blog offers practical steps: msft.it/63328tpjmn
From Crash to Resolution: A Practical Guide for Xbox & Windows Developers
A closer look at how developers can quickly go from a player‑reported crash to a validated fix.
msft.it
November 21, 2025 at 9:04 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
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
November 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Our next MSGD Office Hours is Friday, Nov 21 at 11 AM PT and we'll be joined by James Lewis, Director of the @idatxbox.bsky.social Developer Acceleration Program. Join us to learn more about the DAP pitch process!

Join us on Discord to sign up for the event: discord.gg/Y8yCAAGM?eve...
Join the Microsoft Game Dev Discord Server!
The official home for game devs, hosted by Microsoft. Learn, grow, and connect while publishing to Xbox! | 10891 members
discord.gg
November 21, 2025 at 12:07 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
🔐 Security features matter for fair play. By collaborating with game devs, anti-cheat providers, and players, we want to ensure everyone enjoys a level playing field.

Read what you can do to contribute: msft.it/63326tRTMM
Building a Trusted Gaming Future: How Security Powers Fair Play - Xbox Wire
At the heart of every great game is a simple promise: everyone deserves an equal shot at victory. Cheating breaks that promise - here's how we’re committed to protecting fair play and ensuring everyone can enjoy a level playing field. 
msft.it
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Our most recent Office Hours Recap has arrived! And don't forget to join us every Friday at 11 AM PT on Discord.

Learn what questions our dev community had about the ROG Xbox Ally/Ally X: msft.it/63326tPVgK

Office Hours Recap - ROG Xbox Ally/Ally X
In our latest recap, Principal Product Manager Clint Woon took our community through a live demonstration of the user interface and features of the recently released ROG Xbox Ally/Ally X.
msft.it
November 14, 2025 at 11:57 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
Developers of all sizes should be able to publish to the platforms they want. That's why today we're making the @xbox.com Game Publishing Guide open to the public!

📄Read on: msft.it/63325tOdWz
Unlocking Access to Game Publishing Documentation for All Developers
We’re removing barriers to learning and making it easier for teams of all sizes to understand what it takes to ship a game on Xbox.
msft.it
November 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
1000xResist is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and GamePass! 🙌

In celebration, Xbox Wire spoke with Creative Director Remy Siu about inspirations and the development process. Read on: msft.it/63324tK8Ms
How 1000xResist’s Creators Brought it to Life on Xbox - Xbox Wire
Creative Director Remy Siu discusses the process of creating the critically acclaimed 1000xResist, now available on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Series X|S.
msft.it
November 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
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! 🔗 discord.gg/msftgamedev
The Microsoft Game Dev profile is shown here. The banner at the top is purple with a cube, geometric shape on the right side. It bears the text "Powering Games, Empowering Creators." The MSGD logo is on the left side, which has the Windows and Xbox logos in white on a purple background. In the main section of text, the following information is listed: Microsoft Game Dev (Verified symbol) 2,179 Online | 10, 746 Members Est. Mar 2020 The official home for game devs, hosted by Microsoft. Learn, grow, and connect while publishing to Xbox! 💡 Knowledgeable 🤔 Curious ☺️ Professional +2 more
November 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
⚠️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
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
msftgamedev.bsky.social
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
White text on a purple background reads: "The Latest Features in the October 2025 Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK) Release"
November 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
simplygon.com
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
Material merging in Blender
YouTube video by Simplygon
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
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
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
Reposted by Microsoft Game Dev
simplygon.com
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...
October 27, 2025 at 8:14 AM
msftgamedev.bsky.social
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
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