Closed ecosystems

Console platforms are like closed ecosystems. Working with them requires contracts, SDKs, and developer hardware. These platforms are governed by strict NDAs and legal requirements.

While Godot cannot directly provide official support due to its open-source license, developers approved by console vendors can still build and ship console games using Godot with the help of certified third-party providers.

An open-source system

Godot is fully open source and licensed under MIT. That means no NDAs, no closed tools, and no legal liability accepted. Console development, however, requires exactly the opposite: legal agreements, restricted access, and liability coverage.

Because of this, the Godot Foundation has decided not to develop or maintain official console ports. Doing so would compromise its core values of transparency and freedom.

Console porting in Godot

You can release a Godot game on consoles. You'll need to be approved by the platform holder and either create the export tools yourself or use middleware from a certified third party.

The Godot engine itself can run on consoles, but export templates for those platforms must be built separately. These templates are typically created using official SDKs, and thus can only be distributed privately to developers approved by the console makers. Several third-party companies offer this middleware under the necessary legal constraints.

For more information, check the following link: official console ports.

What's the console porting process?

To start the process of bringing your Godot game to consoles, you'll need to:

1. Register as a developer with the console manufacturer
2. Be approved and gain access to dev tools & SDKs
3. Obtain a devkit (confidential pricing)
4. Use or build console export templates
5. Rate your game with regional agencies (ESRB, PEGI, etc.)
6. Either do the porting in-house or partner with a trusted vendor

Several companies offer console porting and publishing services for Godot-based games.