Chunk your game into player-selectable Features, built on Addressables, to cut install size and time-to-play for players on XBOX on PC, including storage-tight handhelds.
We’re announcing general availability of the Microsoft GDK Intelligent Delivery package for Unity. It lets developers split a game into installable chunks so players download only what they want to play. The package is built on Addressables and adds a visual Editor workflow for Microsoft’s Chunks, Features, and Recipes. No hand-written packaging XML required.
Games keep growing (50 to 100+ GB), and storage prices keep climbing as well. XBOX on PC handhelds, like the ROG Ally and Legion Go, can have limited storage and players have to choose which games and content to keep on their devices when they are on the go.
With this package, developers map Addressable groups to Chunks and group Chunks into Features (campaign, multiplayer, HD textures, languages). Recipes then define what installs by default per device or entitlement. Players choose what to install, and they can remove Features later to reclaim space. The new GDK Intelligent Delivery Mapper window handles the mapping and generates the layout the Microsoft Store needs.
“This brings chunked, player-controlled installs into the same Addressables workflow developers already use,” said Abdullah Hamed, Senior Product Manager for Microsoft Platforms at Unity. “Shipping a leaner install becomes a configuration step, not a separate project.”
Getting started: You’ll need Unity 6.5+ and Addressables 2.6+. Install the Intelligent Delivery package (1.0) then open the Mapper window.
“The ‘GDK Intelligent Delivery Mapper’ feature included in the package allows developers working with Unity Addressables to take advantage of the optional installation features offered by XBOX,” said Angella Hillier of the XBOX Advanced Technology Group. “The mapper supports logical segmentation of content into Features, including language and device differentiation, while Recipes can be used to indicate which Features should be installed together. Players can better manage space on their device and start playing the game faster. A true win for both developers and players!”
The package is available now via Package Manager for titles shipping on XBOX on PC through the Microsoft GDK. For more information, check Unity’s Intelligent Delivery package documentation and Microsoft’s Intelligent Delivery documentation.