DirectX 12 Xbox
Xbox low-level graphics API backend.
D3D12X is Microsoft's Xbox-specific extension of Direct3D 12, distributed through the Xbox Game Development Kit (GDK). It builds on the retail D3D12 API and adds console-specific extensions and optimizations that are not exposed on desktop Windows.
The Xbox GDK, including the D3D12X headers, samples, and reference documentation, is covered by Microsoft's non-disclosure agreement with registered Xbox developers. Nothing from that material can be reproduced, described, or linked to on this page, and the same restriction applies to every page under this section of the documentation.
Current status
The d3d12x backend in gp-engine is internal work in progress. The module currently holds build
scaffolding and an empty CMake target; no Xbox NDA material has been added, because the team does
not yet have Xbox NDA clearance.
Once that clearance is in place, this page will be filled in for the contributors on the project
who are also registered Xbox developers. It will not be published outside that group, and public
builds of gp-engine will not ship with this backend enabled.
Requesting access
Access to the Xbox GDK, dev kits, and D3D12X documentation is managed entirely by Microsoft. If you need to review or contribute to this backend, you or your studio have to register directly through Microsoft's own program.
- ID@Xbox: the registration portal for independent and studio developers seeking Xbox development access.
We have no ability to grant, share, or forward Xbox NDA material on request. Approval is at Microsoft's sole discretion.
Curriculum
Graphical Playground plans to cover console-specific rendering paths, D3D12X included, as part of its learning material. That curriculum sits behind the same NDA and will only be released to contributors and learners who hold active Xbox developer clearance, once it exists.