How to Publish your game on Steam, Xbox, Nintendo Switch & Playstation

So, you want to make a game and publish it to a store for everyone to play?

 

But how does it work?
There are multiple platforms people play games, on like:
• Steam
• Xbox
• Playstation
• Nintendo Switch

In this guide I will talk you though the different options.
One of the things you will need is a “build” to deploy on the selected platforms.
This is a finalised game file that you can just click and it launches on the device you are playing on; this is where Unity really shines, as it already has the feature built into it’s game engine that supports all platforms.

You can create a build for:
• Windows, mac & Linux
• Dedicated server
• Web GL – browser playable games
• Android
• IOS
• PS4
• PS5
• Universal Windows platform – Xbox app Games

However, on the Unity personal plan (Free plan) you only have access to:
• Windows, mac & Linux
• Dedicated server
• Web GL – browser playable games

 

To access the full features, you will need:
• Unity pro subscription
• Be part of Xbox, PlayStation or Switch developer programmes (Detailed below).

For a more details about Unity and Unity plans check out my unity page

How to release a game on Steam

There are quite a few places on PC you can sell your game, however one of the most popular places is Steam. Steam is a video game digital distribution service and storefront developed by Valve Corporation.

On Steam you can buy and store games in your personal library all in one app. It’s the ultimate place for playing, discussing, and distributing games. People love steam as it allows you to keep all your games in one place, and there are always sales and discounts.

 

Steps as a summary:

• Sign digital paperwork.
• Pay the app Deposit fee $100
• Complete bank, Tax & Identification paperwork
• You then gain access to build your steam page, configure & upload your builds.
• Steam plays your game, checks your store page, checks if there is any harmful content, and sees if it’s configured correctly. The game must also comply with the Steam Subscriber Agreement, Steam Online conduct and Privacy Policy agreement This can take between 1-5 days

 

There is also a couple of timing requirements before you can hit the release button:

• A 30-Day waiting period from when you paid the $100 Deposit, for steam to verify the information you have supplied, and to confirm who they’re doing business with
• You will need to configure your store page and put a publicly visible ‘Coming soon’ page for at least 2 weeks. This will enable you to start getting people adding your game to their Wishlist and start people talking about your game.
• Once these steps are complete, you are ready to hit that release button and update your page whenever you want.

 

Steam is a challenging place to sell you game, but I’ve created a dedicated explaining how it all works, extra advice and more.

How to Release a Game on Xbox

Xbox has a great marketplace for games and Microsoft wants to ensure that is has great content and experiences for its players. This means that some games may not end up on the Xbox store list, dependant on which programme the game was deployed through.

The idea is that Microsoft doesn’t want the store to be flooded with incomplete, half baked shovelware. If you have searched through Steam, you sometimes come across some really poor-quality games put on by developers who don’t care about the quality of their game and are just looking to make a quick cash grab.

So having the store show the best games on the list will give the players and the developers the best chance to find great games.

 

There are 3 main programmes that you can access through the Xbox developer portal:
• ID@Xbox
• ID@Azure
• Creators programme
I’ve explained below what each programme does and who it’s aimed at.

 

If you would like to join one of these programmes check out the Xbox Developer portal:
https://developer.microsoft.com/en-GB/games/publish 

You first need a Microsoft email account, then once you sign in you need to select one of their programmes:
• ID@Xbox
• ID@Azure
• Creators programme

ID@Xbox

Xbox Mainstream deployment programme for developers who are serious about their project, who have a registered business or studio and want to reach a wide audience.

 

Key Points:

• If you’re a game Developer with a registered business and you hope to reach a large audience
• Direct support available from ID@Xbox
• Dev Kits available free of charge once concept has been approved
• Approvals required for concept and certification
• Games potential deployable on:
  • Xbox
  • Windows Store
  • Othe pc stores
  • Xbox Game pass
  • Streaming

How do you join?

Once you have logged into the Xbox Developer website: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-GB/games/publish

You can apply by submitting the online application; it will need to be approved, and they will get back to you.

 

Does it cost to Join the programme?

There are no fees to:

• Apply to ID@Xbox
• Submit a game to certification
• Publish a game
• Update your game

Note - there may be a “modest” one-time cost to access the Partner Centre publishing portal.

ID@Azure

A live service gaming cloud for beginners and experts who are looking to launch a live service game that is run in the cloud. This gives you the ability to deploy a game on any platform and to support Cross play so anyone can play your game no matter the device they have.

 

With ID@Azure you get:

• 24/7 Ticketed Support from the ID@Azure team
• Free Playfab standard plan for up to 2 years (then $99 Dollars per month) and up to $150,000 in Azure credit
• Talks and guidance from Microsoft experts
• Games are Supported on all platforms

 

What is ID@Azure?

It’s a programme to help support independent developers’ with free tools, resources and support to get them started in using Game Cloud services.

They can help with:

• Game Production Solutions
• Global game servers
• Multiplayer services
• Game Data & Analytics
• Live operations
• AI

Check out this link for more details: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/games/events/gdc/2022/intro-to-id-at-azure/

 

Why Cloud?

Cloud allows developers to Deploy a game on multiple platforms and allows Cross platform capability.  Their goal is to Make you successful in using cloud services, to help you grow your games and become more profitable.

 

Who can sign up to Azure?

Azure is available Globally to Game creators across all platforms, no matter where you are in your game development. You may need to sign a Non-Discloser agreement as you may be using services that are in development and not publicly available yet.

 

What is Playfab?

Playfab is a complete Backend platform for Live games, with game services, Real-time analytics and liveOps.

Check out this link for more information: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-GB/gaming/playfab/what-is-playfab

Creators programme

The creator’s programme is designed for students, hobbyists and for anyone who wants to put a game on the Microsoft store; it does have some pros and cons, but that will be explained below.

 

You can register and enroll as a developer on the Microsoft store without any need for concept approval. However, all apps on the store are subject to their policies.

Check out this link for more info: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/publish/?tabs=individual%2Cmsix-pwa-getting-started#prerequisite

 

• Students and hobbyists but restrictions apply
• Enroll as a Developer for the Microsoft store
• Register as individual or as a company

To register and start click on this link: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-store/register#individualtab

 

There are some really game changing differences between the ID@xbox program and releasing a game on the Microsoft store:

• You cannot integrate multiplayer or achievements
• Games published are visible on the standard Microsoft Apps store, but only searchable on the Xbox store
• You cannot release the same game on the Microsoft Store and on the ID@Xbox programme, but you can apply for the programme and potentially transfer the game to the main store if the concept is approved and the game is successful.

 

Difference between registering as an individual and Company:

 

Individual:

• Apps are not related to business trade or profession
• Producing content for non-commercial purposes
• Intended for hobbyists, students or personal projects

 

Steps for Individual for registration:

• Sign in with your Microsoft account
• Select Windows and Xbox program
• Select country and account type as individual
• Enter your publisher’s name and contact information
• Pay the $19 registration fee
• Confirm email address

 

Company:

• Apps are related to business or trade
• Producing content for commercial purposes
• For companies, teams or groups

 

Steps for Company registration:

• Sign in with your Microsoft account
• Select Windows and Xbox Program
• Provide company details & Legal documents
• Provide contact details for account verification
• Enter Company Approver and Publisher Name
• Pay the $99 Registration Fee
• After payment Microsoft verify email address, domain, and employee & business details. Once verified You will receive a confirmation email.

How to release a game on Playstation

Want to share your game on Playstation platforms?

 

Playstation is all about gaming and are always looking for new ideas and experiences to share on their platform.

They support small Indie’s all the way up to big studios.

However, you will need to be at least a project concept/pitch stage to start registering as the portal doesn’t seem to go through much detail on how the programme works, what tools you get, or any fees applicable.

To Register it’s a bit of a process but I will detail the highlights below.

 

Before you register you must first meet the below Requirements:

• Applicants must be a registered Legal entity, sole trader, own their business, be self-employed, and over 18 years of age.
• Proof of legal status of business which identifies all directors and officers or Passport (Sole traders only)
• Your Static public IP address in IPv4 format not private Ip's like this one 192.168.x.x are not supported
• Your private domain email address(name@companydomain.com). Note: personal emails address with public domains like @gmail.com are not accepted as well as generic Info@domain.co.uk like info@thegaminghub.co.uk
• Your product pitch – could be a Game Design Document or a sheet detailing planned projects including game title information(game features, release date, and business model)

 

 

What’s a static IP?

An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device connected to a network.

For example: 192.168.0.0

However, this number is assigned by the network you’re connected to and the IP address could change depending on the network you’re connected to, even on the same device.

A static IP address simply means this number stays the same.

 

How Do I get a Static IP address?

You need to contact your internet service provider to set one up (you may need a business broadband)

 

Why do I need a Static IP address to apply for Playstation Partners programme?

To access the resources available for the programme, they allocate your static IP address to grant you access; think of it as your personal ID to access a workplace, they won’t let you in if you don’t have it.

 

How Do I get a private domain email address?

If you pay for Hosting a website to promote your company, studio or your game, you might already have one. Alternatively, you can pay for just a public domain email on it’s own, check out domain hosting sites like https://www.godaddy.com/

 

How can I apply for the Playstation partners programme?

If you meet the requirements above, head over to and complete the relevant forms and agreements: https://partners.playstation.net/

Check out this FAQ page for more information: Partners FAQ

It explains in detail about the process about applying for the programme.

 

Once you have been approved, you will be granted access to the applications and support for developing Playstation titles. You will also need to purchase a dedicated development hardware to be able to create content on the Playstation platforms.

How to release a game on the Nintendo switch