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Porting Cocos2d to UWP After Converting to Win32 Project

Introduction​

This solution provides a complete process for converting a Cocos2d project to a UWP application by using a Win32 project as an intermediate bridge. This solution fully leverages the advantages of MSIX packaging technology, enabling your Cocos2d game to enter the Microsoft Store ecosystem, achieve cross-device coverage, and enable modern distribution.

Porting Process Flowchart​

Publishing Cocos2d as a Win32 Project​

Development Environment​

  • The operating system must be Windows 10 RTM version 10240 or higher.
  • Visual Studio 2015, Visual Studio 2017, or Visual Studio 2019 must be installed. Using Visual Studio 2015 as an example. Download link: https://www.visualstudio.com/downloads/download-visual-studio-vs
  • During the installation of Visual Studio, the Windows 10 SDK needs to be installed. Using SDK 10.0.10240 as an example, as shown in the following image:
    image.png
  • For Cocos 2d development environment installation, 【Refer to】

Generating the Win32 Project​

  • Use the cocos new command in the Command Prompt to create your own C++ project. For example, if the project name is helloworld (the actual name can be based on your project), save it to D:\cocos2d-3-17. Enter: cocos new helloworld -p com.coco2dx.org -l cpp -d D:\cocos2d-3-17. In the parameters of the new command, cpp indicates that the target project language is C++.

    cocos new helloworld -p com.coco2dx.org -l cpp -d D:\cocos2d-3-17

  • In the saved path, you can see the proj.win32 folder, which contains the C++ project.
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Compiling the Cocos C++ Project​

Open the proj.win32 project with Visual Studio 2017 and set helloworld as the startup item​

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For the libcocos2d and libSpine projects in the solution, Visual Studio needs to have the SDK installed. Using SDK 14393 as an example, right-click on each of these two projects, select "Properties", and set the Windows SDK version.​

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After compilation, start the project, and the following interface will appear​

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SDK Integration and exe Build​

This stage is fundamental, ensuring the game's core functionality is complete.

SDK Integration​

In the exported Win32 project, follow the standard SDK integration guide to complete tasks such as dependency library import, API calls, and configuration settings. Be sure to complete all SDK-related development and testing during this stage.

exe Build:​

  • Use Visual Studio to build your Win32 project, outputting a standard Win32 .exe file.
  • Ensure all dependent libraries (such as DLLs) and resource files (images, configurations, etc.) are located in the same directory.
  • It is recommended to use static linking to reduce external dependencies.

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Build, Test, and Distribute​

  • Generate MSIX package: Generate the Microsoft Store app package in .msix format using MSIX packaging technology.
  • Local Testing: Install the MSIX package and perform comprehensive functional testing.
  • Run WACK: Use the Windows App Certification Kit to certify the package, resolving any compatibility issues.
  • Store Submission: Submit the certified MSIX package to Microsoft Partner Center to complete the store listing process.

Note: Please set your local computer to Developer Mode, otherwise UWP applications cannot be installed properly.

Download MG Ads C++ SDK 【Refer to】