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Porting Cocos Creator to UWP After Converting to Win32

Introduction​

This solution provides a complete process for converting a Cocos Creator 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 HTML5 or native games to enter the Microsoft Store ecosystem, achieve cross-device coverage, and enable modern distribution.

Porting Process Flowchart​

Publishing Cocos Creator as a Win32 Project​

Development Environment​

  • Using Cocos Creator 3.4.1 as an example.
  • Using Visual Studio 2017 as an example.

Publishing the Win32 Project​

Open your project in Cocos Creator, using helloworld as an example. Click Project, then Build:
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The publishing settings interface will pop up. In the publishing platform Platform, select Windows.
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The Name of the published project should be based on your own project; in this example, it's NewProject. Other publishing parameter settings depend on the specific situation. After configuring, click the Build button.

Compiling the Win32 Project​

After successful publishing, a Win32 solution will be generated in the publishing path:
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Open the solution with Visual Studio 2017 and set NewProject as the startup project.
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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.