Developing for Xbox LIVE Arcade
Thank you for your interest in developing for Xbox LIVE Arcade! We’re committed to building the best possible selection of downloadable casual and arcade games, and your creativity and effort are key to Arcade’s success.
If you plan to create the next hot game for Xbox LIVE Arcade, here are the steps you’ll take along the way.
Xbox LIVE Arcade’s vision and strategy
Our vision is to define and create an entirely new market for small, quick, fun downloadable games on Xbox 360. Our strategy is to create a single, integrated destination in the Xbox 360 console for users to download, try, buy and play downloadable games.
Why develop for Xbox LIVE Arcade?
With 65% of connected Xbox 360 customers downloading and playing Arcade titles, developing for Xbox LIVE Arcade is an effective way to reach a new and highly lucrative core gaming customer. These players are repeat purchasers with a high propensity to convert. And with one-click demos and a one-click purchases, the barriers to entry are lower than ever. In addition, there’s the opportunity for incremental revenue by selling add-ons, levels, or skins for your game. Essentially, Xbox LIVE Arcade is a sizable (and rapidly growing) financial opportunity.
Demographics
The primary Xbox LIVE Arcade gamer today is a highly engaged, dedicated gamer. They are usually short on time and thus looking for a quick playing experience. These players have a high propensity to pay, try new titles, and own multiple titles.
The secondary/tertiary gamers in the household are wives, girlfriends, kids, and parents. The games that appeal to them are games they can experience alongside the core user (co-op).
Distributing your game on Xbox LIVE Arcade
Step #1 – Submit Concept
Work with the Arcade Portfolio Planning team (arcade@microsoft.com) or your established account manager to determine whether your title is a good fit, and to iron out the business details. This usually includes a first glance brief regarding the game and your company. If the initial concept is approved you will fill out an official Concept Submission Form, which will go through another approval process. Before any game ideas are presented, you must sign a standard, mutual NDA. This protects both yourself and Microsoft. Note: presenting a playable prototype will go a long way in getting your title approved to the next step.
Step #2 – Kickoff
If your title is approved, you will be connected to the Arcade production team to discuss requirements and best practices that are unique to Arcade titles. You will also be lined up with Arcade-specific support materials.
Step #3 – Get Cranking!
Develop an awesome Arcade title that every Xbox 360 owner will need to have! You will work with the Arcade team along the way, to check the progress of your title at various milestones.
Step #4 – Submit to Cert
Arcade titles are certified along with all other Xbox 360 titles.
Step #5 – Release to Market
The title is made available in Marketplace and downloads begin.
What kind of games is Xbox LIVE Arcade looking for?
- Full game experience – the game must be complete and stand on its own
- Less than 150MB in size
- Original and innovative gameplay
- Playable without physical media or other dependencies – No instruction manual should be required. The game should be approachable. Easy to learn, hard to master
- Pick-up-and-play – Xbox LIVE Arcade games are meant to be fast and fun, not exact substitutes for retail games
- Free Trial Version with limited but entertaining gameplay – the game must be purchased to unlock the full version of the game
- Plugs into Xbox LIVE Arcade around-the-game experiences – includes out-of-game leaderboards, achievements and gamerscore, and cross-game invites
- Clearly defined audience – titles enjoyed by both hardcore and casual gamers are especially desired
- Features – social experiences, novel uses of camera, compelling uses of PDLC, compelling visual experiences are all pluses, though they should be used appropriately within the context of the game being developed
For a library of developer reference material and a list of upcoming developer events, please see our Developer Information page!
Contact
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Just email us at arcade@microsoft.com.
Developer Program registration
Find out about our new Developer Program!
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