Microsoft Increases Xbox Dev Kit Pricing After Console and Game Pass Hikes

Game development has never been cheap, and now it’s about to get even more expensive for studios working on Xbox titles. Microsoft has confirmed that the price of its Xbox Development Kit (XDK) has jumped from $1,500 to $2,000, a 33% increase that immediately impacts developers worldwide.

Xbox dev kits jump to $2,000 as Microsoft raises prices in line with console and Game Pass hikes, impacting studios worldwide

According to a report by The Verge, the announcement was quietly shared with Xbox developers earlier this week. In the memo, Microsoft explained that the adjustment “reflects macroeconomic developments” and reassured teams that it remains committed to providing “high-quality tools and support” for their projects.

This move comes at a time when Xbox’s ecosystem has already seen multiple price hikes. Just last month, Microsoft raised the cost of its Xbox Series X|S consoles, citing tariffs as the main reason. Earlier in the year, accessories and games also saw increases, and more recently, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate jumped by 50%.

The new pricing is already in effect, meaning any kits purchased from this week onward will reflect the higher cost. And it’s not just U.S. developers feeling the pinch; teams in Europe and other regions are also affected.