Microsoft is converting Xbox disc games to digital versions
Microsoft launches a new feature for Xbox console owners that will allow converting physical game copies into digital versions. The company aims to simplify access to older games and preserve them for future console generations.
The feature will work with most games on discs for Xbox One and Xbox Series X. To activate the digital version, the player will need to insert a compatible disc into a console with a disc drive and launch the game. At the same time, the physical copy will continue to work as usual. Digital rights will be tied specifically to the disk. If the owner transfers it to another person, access to the digital version will also transfer to the new user as long as the disc is in their possession.
After activation, supported games will gain features available in digital versions. They will be able to run on PCs with Windows via Xbox Play Anywhere, and some games can be streamed through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft will begin testing a new feature among Xbox Insider program participants on August 31. In the future, it will become available to a larger number of Xbox One and Xbox Series X owners.
At launch, the company plans to support thousands of games, and over time the list of compatible projects will expand. At the same time, Microsoft warns that some games will not be available for conversion. According to Jason Ronald, Vice President of Xbox, the main goal of the program is to maintain users’ access to already purchased games even after new console generations are released.
