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Xbox program allows physical games to be converted to digital entitlements

Created at 26 Aug · 5:06 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Xbox is launching a new disc-to-digital program that allows players to claim a digital entitlement for most Xbox One and Xbox Series X disc-based games. Once claimed, the game can be played digitally without the disc, offering access to features like Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud gaming.

Key Numbers

August 31Xbox Insiders testing start date

Who's Involved

Xbox
Announced new disc-to-digital program
Xbox Insiders
First to test the new program
Jason Ronald
Xbox Vice President
Xbox program allows physical games to be converted to digital entitlements

↳ Why This Matters

This program offers Xbox owners a way to preserve their physical game library's value and ensure continued access to games on future consoles, potentially bridging the gap between physical ownership and digital convenience.

Key facts

  • Xbox is introducing a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Series X games.
  • Players can convert physical discs into digital entitlements by inserting and launching the game.
  • Claimed digital entitlements allow for digital play, Xbox Play Anywhere, and cloud gaming access.
  • Physical discs remain functional but the digital license is revokable if the disc is transferred.
  • Publisher opt-in and specific manufacturing processes determine game compatibility.

Xbox is set to launch a new program that will allow players to convert their physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs into digital entitlements. The initiative, which begins testing with Xbox Insiders on August 31, aims to provide a digital future for physical game collections.

By inserting a compatible disc into their console and launching the game, players can claim a digital entitlement. This will enable them to play the game digitally without needing the disc, and also grant access to features such as Xbox Play Anywhere for PC play and Xbox Cloud Gaming, where supported.

Microsoft has stated that physical discs will continue to function after a digital entitlement is claimed. However, the program operates on a single, revokable license per disc, meaning the digital entitlement could be transferred to a new account if the disc is resold or loaned out.

Reports suggest that publishers must opt in for their games to be compatible, which explains why only "most" titles will be supported. Additionally, some discs may be incompatible due to manufacturing limitations, excluding original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles from the program.

Xbox Vice President Jason Ronald highlighted the program as an important step towards ensuring players can retain access to their purchased games for years to come. This development is particularly significant given rumors of future Xbox consoles potentially lacking disc drives, making digital entitlements a key for backward compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

It's a new program allowing players to convert physical Xbox One and Series X game discs into digital entitlements, enabling digital play without the disc.

Most Xbox One and Xbox Series X disc-based games are expected to be compatible, though publisher opt-in and manufacturing factors play a role.

The physical disc will continue to work, but the digital entitlement is tied to the disc and can be transferred if the disc is resold or loaned.

Testing for Xbox Insiders begins on August 31.

What Happens Next

01Xbox Insiders begin testing the disc-to-digital program on August 31.
02More titles are expected to be added to the program over time.

How It Developed

Xbox announced a new disc-to-digital program.
The program will allow players to claim digital entitlements for most Xbox One and Series X disc-based games.
Claiming a digital entitlement will allow for digital play without the disc, and access to features like Xbox Play Anywhere and cloud gaming.
Physical discs will continue to function after a digital entitlement is claimed, but the license is revokable.
Publisher opt-in is required for disc compatibility.
Some discs may be incompatible due to manufacturing.
The program is set to begin testing with Xbox Insiders on August 31.
This initiative could be crucial for backward compatibility on future Xbox consoles without disc drives.

Sources

T1
Xbox’s new disc-to-digital program gives physical games a digital futurevar abtest_2169177 = new ABTest(2169177, 'impression');Ars Technica

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