You also use the existing mechanisms for deploying the metadata. You still use the Games Definition File Maker tool (GDFMAKER.EXE), which is now available in the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK), to author the metadata. Here is a summary of the key differences when applying these technical requirements and best practices to Windows 8.Īll games that you register with the Games Explorer are surfaced as tiles in new Windows UI, but much of the metadata that is associated with the title is no longer visible.

Guidelines for Game Middleware Products.

Xbox 360 Common Controller for Windows Terminology.

4.3 Support Windows Error Reporting and File Version Information.

4.2 Eliminate Application Verifier Failures.

3.2 Support User Account Control for Installation.

2.1 Follow User Account Control Guidelines.

1.6 Support Launch from Windows Media Center.

1.5 Support Multiple Aspect Ratios and Resolutions.

1.4 Support the Xbox 360 Common Controller for Windows.

1.2 Support Family Safety / Parental Controls.These best practices also generally apply to desktop Win32 games on Windows 8. We wrote these technical requirements and best practices primarily to cover Windows Vista and Windows 7, as well as the legacy Windows XP operating system.

This article provides technical requirements and best practices for games that run on Windows.

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