Welcome to ID@Azure

Accelerate your game development in the cloud with the ID@Azure program.

ID@Azure empowers independent studios and startup game developers to take full advantage of the cloud to build and grow their games. By joining the program you get free access to developer tools and support from industry experts.

Develop Faster

Free services to help you validate the technology and start building sooner

Up to $150,000 in free Azure credits*
Free Azure PlayFab Standard Plan for up to 2 years
Free multiplayer services including PlayFab Party, PlayFab Matchmaking and PlayFab Lobby (up to included limits)
Free access to powerful development tools, including Microsoft 365, Visual Studio and GitHub

*Benefit via Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Curated educational resources for all levels of cloud experience

Example solutions, architectures and use cases
Case studies from other game developers
Code samples from GitHub
Self-paced training modules

Support along the Journey

Support and expertise direct from Microsoft's cloud + gaming experts

24/7 access to Azure Technical Support*
Ticketed PlayFab support
Exclusive Ask the Experts sessions from Microsoft team members

Why Cloud?

Microsoft created ID@Azure because we see the huge benefits that cloud brings to the games industry, and our goal is to extend those benefits to smaller studios and the independent developer community. The net result should be a significant gain in flexibility and scalability, reducing costs, speeding up development, and improving players’ experience.

world map with the continents outlined in blue with blue beacons where data centers are located

Why Azure?

Microsoft is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges facing game creators today. With our first-party studios, we build, iterate, and test games every day on our global platform to make Azure better while also listening to the needs of our creator community to see what we can improve.

logos of the Microsoft First Party Studios

Inspired by ID@Xbox

ID@Azure was created using the same philosophy as ID@Xbox. Our focus is on how to empower and enable developers with aspirations to use cloud gaming services - regardless of the platforms you are developing for. We want you to be successful, because we know that working with cloud opens a lot of possibilities for the development of your game.

Interested in ID@Azure? Apply today.

Introduction to ID@Azure

For a more in-depth look at the ID@Azure program watch this introductory video featuring ID@Azure Program Director, Nick Ferguson.

Watch the GDC talk now

Your journey in the cloud starts today

Read our December 2022 program updates to further explore the ID@Azure program specifics and benefits.

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Level up your development with Azure PlayFab

Learn more about the specific Azure PlayFab benefits you will receive by joinning the ID@Azure program.

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Level Up your Game Development with Azure PlayFab