Until now in testing for a limited number of users, the highly anticipated digitization program allowing users to convert their disc-based Xbox games into digital versions is now open to everyone. A strategic initiative to reassure players in the face of the announced obsolescence of Blu-Ray drives and disc collections, in a future that will surely be digital.
Faced with the outcry sparked by PlayStation and its gradual withdrawal from the physical format, Microsoft has intelligently chosen not to confirm the abrupt abandonment of discs, preferring instead to prepare this transition in its own way. The Redmond firm is thus rolling out an unprecedented feature allowing players to turn their physical games into true digital licenses.
A digital license that does away with the drive
After a test launched on August 31 for members of the Xbox Insider program, all Xbox players can now use the system for scanning their disc games to obtain a digital copy that they will retain strict “ownership” of. The game can then be used without the need for the original disc, on any compatible system, and even in [abc]streaming[/abc] via Cloud Gaming. Thus, even if future Xbox consoles do not have a disc drive, players will keep their collection acquired over time.
Limited backward compatibility and resale under conditions
Note that, for the moment, Xbox 360 and Xbox (the original) games are not affected (these older discs technically lacking the unique identifier needed for the operation), and that some publishers (notably Square Enix) have still not authorized the scanning of their titles. Also note that the license remains tied to the physical disc. If you sell or lend the disc and it is activated on another machine, you will logically lose access to the digital license in favor of the new owner.
The digital disc conversion feature is already deployed and available free of charge via a system update for all users of Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles.
Reminder of the key features of Xbox digital conversion:
• Type: software feature for scanning physical games
• Compatible consoles: Xbox One and Xbox Series X
• Eligible games: Xbox One and Xbox Series X (subject to publisher approval)
• Incompatible games: Xbox 360 and original Xbox (no unique identifier on the disc)
• Advantages: allows you to play without the disc in the drive and access the game in [abc]streaming[/abc]
• License condition: the digital license remains attached to the disc and is revoked/transferred in the event of its resale
