Microsoft began testing a disc-to-digital feature a few weeks ago, which allows players to use discs to obtain digital copies of games within the Xbox ecosystem. version edge talked about the history of the system, noting that the Playstation can’t repeat it because Microsoft laid the foundation 15 years ago.
According to The Verge, as early as 2011, Microsoft was exploring the concept of full digital ownership of games. Various options were considered – the ability to digitally transfer projects to other users, handle digital licenses, and exchange physical discs in stores for digital versions. Some of these ideas were announced during the 2013 Xbox One event, but then Microsoft also announced the need for the console to be constantly connected to the Internet and restrictions on the discs it could use. After strong opposition, the original model was abandoned.
Around the same time, Microsoft began adding unique serial numbers to Xbox One drives. A similar system later appeared on the physical media Xbox Series X | S. The exception was some discs released within the first 6-12 months of the Xbox One’s life cycle. It is these identifiers that enable the console to identify specific physical media and associate it with a digital license.
The Verge pointed out that this decision forms the basis for the Xbox Disc to go digital and may allow Microsoft to further develop digital ownership of games. However, if Playstation 4 and Playstation 5 discs didn’t previously use a similar metadata system, Sony wouldn’t be able to simply copy a similar mechanism.
Let us remind you that the disc-to-digital system is still being tested internally, and the number of games it supports is actively being expanded.