Microsoft has fully launched a plan to “digitize” copies of game discs. In the announcement, the Xbox team noted that players will be able to convert their discs to digital versions and enjoy all the benefits of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. Jason Ronald, Xbox Program Lead shared There are some additional details. Key points he shared:
- Ronald explained that the feature is designed to give disc owners the benefits of a digital version without having to buy the game again.
- To launch the digital version, simply insert a compatible disc into your Xbox console. Thereafter, the system will offer to redeem a digital license, which will be linked to the user’s account.
- If you share your console with family members, they can also access licenses through your account.
- Once started, the disk is no longer required to run the project.
- If a game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, it can be played on all compatible devices (i.e. consoles, PCs, and Xbox handheld devices). In addition, the digital version runs through Xbox Cloud Games, and it cannot be used only for playing disc games.
- When you sell or transfer a disc, the digital license is transferred to the new owner’s account and removed from the previous owner’s account.
- At launch, Microsoft promised support for thousands of games. Ronald noted that the list will expand over time.
- Microsoft emphasized that the new feature will not change the operation of physical copies. The disk will continue to work as before.
- The current implementation supports most Xbox One and Xbox Series X discs. Original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs are not included in the program because the required digital ID system was never created for them in the first place.
- Ronald noted that Microsoft intends to continue investing in game saving and adding new features for users. According to him, the launch of this feature is just the first step in preparing Xbox for the next 25 years of development of the platform.
Xbox Insiders will begin testing the feature on August 31st. Microsoft expects to roll out this new feature to all players soon.
