Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Microsoft launches Xbox Academy for aspiring developers. Here’s how to sign up

By Aaron Mamiit Updated April 25, 2023

Microsoft has launched Xbox Academy, a free online digital workshop for aspiring game developers.

The Xbox Academy will be run in partnership with East London Arts and Music, Games London, and Forza Horizon 4 developer Playground Games.

The workshop will provide insights into the basics of designing and developing games, with an introduction to working with the Unity engine. Participants will learn how to develop basic 3D level signs, and how to start creating basic games.

“As a team, we are passionate about fostering new talent in the industry, such as with our 12-month placement scheme for university students from relevant courses. This event is another great way that we can pass on some of the expertise within the studio to inspire the next generation of game creators,” said Playground Games studio director Gavin Raeburn in a statement.

Sign up for Xbox Academy

Xbox Academy is offering four 90-minute sessions across September 12 and September 13, all of which are hosted online. Aspiring developers looking to join should sign up through the workshop’s event page immediately, as spaces are limited.

Participants will be given a pre-workshop package that includes the requirements for the sessions, such as installing the latest versions of the Unity engine and the 3D Game Kit resource file.

Currently, Xbox Academy is only offering sessions for the two dates. Digital Trends has reached out to Microsoft to ask for information on when the next sessions will be held, and we will update this article as soon as we hear back.

Topics

Contributor

Aaron received a NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was 4 years old, and he has been fascinated with…

Gaming

Xbox Series X tips and tricks: how to set up your new console

Xbox Series X on a table.

There's no better feeling than booting up a new console and experiencing all the cool features and options available to you. On the flip side, some of the best parts of a console like the Xbox Series X are not automatically presented to you. You could just accept the system as it is and get used to it, but why ignore all the customization options and enhancements you could be enjoying with just a few tweaks?

We get that navigating a console's systems, especially if you're new to the ecosystem, can feel backwards and unintuitive to say the least. Rather than try and dig through layers of menus on your own, we've compiled a list of the best tips and tricks you should know about to get the most enjoyment out of your new Xbox Series X console.

Gaming

The best Xbox exclusives of 2022: 6 Game Pass greats that saved Microsoft’s quiet year

Characters from Grounded stand in front of text that says 2022 Best Xbox Exclusives.

The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S's second year on the market was rough. While the consoles continue to sell well and Xbox Game Pass is still a great deal, the delay of Redfall and Starfield into 2023 decimated the Xbox consoles' first-party 2022 lineup. While the lack of heavy-hitting AAA titles might initially make a list like this seem frivolous, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S still had quite a few compelling exclusives.

Many of these games are highly experimental, pushing the boundaries of narratives in video games. All of the titles launched on Xbox Game Pass on day one, highlighting the strength of that subscription service. If you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription or are just wondering what 2022 Xbox exclusives are worth playing, these seven console exclusives stand out.
Immortality

Gaming

Microsoft’s price hike on Xbox games will apply to PC, Steam

Redfall Cover

Microsoft confirmed to Digital Trends that the impending price increase on its first-party games will apply to its PC releases as well. The change will happen in 2023 and affect upcoming titles like Starfield, Redfall, and Forza Motorsport.

This morning, IGN reported that Microsoft will be raising the prices of Xbox Series X|S games from $60 to $70. Digital Trends asked Microsoft if this would also apply to the PC versions of its games. A Microsoft spokesperson said, "Yes, starting in 2023, our new, full-priced games will be $69.99 across console and PC storefronts. This price reflects the content, scale, and complexity of these titles, regardless of platform. These games will also be available on day one with Game Pass.”