Xbox publishing tools get Game Package Manager rollout
Microsoft has started rolling out Game Package Manager for Xbox developers. The tool replaces the current “Packages” module in Microsoft Partner Center for developers configuring or adding new products for Xbox publishing.
The new interface is used when a developer needs to upload or distribute a package. Microsoft says existing packages, certification pipelines and publishing history are not affected by the change. The rollout is automatic and will take a few weeks.
Game Package Manager adds a branch gallery that separates Draft and Live packages. Draft packages are available only to Partner Center users, while Live packages are available to players in an external-facing sandbox. Microsoft has also reorganized package details to reduce text-heavy screens and make multiple packages easier to scan.
Source: Microsoft
The tool also adds package validation before Certification submission. According to Microsoft, this should help developers catch many package errors before they enter the certification process. Developers can still switch back to the old interface, which may help teams already in the middle of a publishing flow.
Microsoft says Game Package Manager will also host future publishing features. More details are expected later this year. For now, this is mostly a backend change for Xbox developers, but it points to Microsoft continuing to reduce friction in the Xbox and Windows game publishing process.
Sources: Microsoft
