Xbox is apparently working on a way that users could digitize the physical games that they own on Xbox One and Xbox Series X, possibly to encourage existing owners to upgrade to the next generation of Xbox. Xbox has a new system in development called Project Helix, which will be the successor of the Xbox Series X/S. Details about the system are limited at this time, but the company is already starting to build hype for the console ahead of a full reveal.
Video game fans have long worried about companies phasing out disc drives. The Xbox Series S does not have a disc drive, and multiple PS5 models do not offer the option of playing physical games. PlayStation confirmed it will be phasing out discs in 2028, and that could mark a major change for the video game industry as a whole.
Xbox is Reportedly Considering Shutting Down Arkane and Cancelling Blade
Reports claim that Xbox is considering another developer shutdown, and this one could claim Arkane Studios and its upcoming Blade game.
Xbox Prepares for an All-Digital Future
Project Helix reportedly won’t have a disc drive, which would prevent current Xbox Series X or Xbox One owners from using their existing physical games on the new system. According to a report from The Verge, Xbox is looking into a way that players could digitize physical games they own ahead of the new system’s launch. Details have not been officially confirmed, but users would basically get a digital entitlement for the game by putting it in an Xbox with a disc drive. That entitlement is specific to each disc, and it would belong to that Xbox user across systems as long as the disc isn’t sold or lent to another user. If someone else were to put the game in their Xbox console, they would then get the digital entitlement.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
According to the report, the entitlement would work just like any other digital purchase from Xbox. That means users might be able to play it through cloud streaming. If it’s a Play Anywhere game, it would have all the same accessibility on other devices like PC or on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. The negative side is that this would seemingly only work for games released on the Xbox Series X, and some that came out on Xbox One. That means physical Xbox and Xbox 360 games that are currently playable on Xbox Series X won’t be eligible for a digital entitlement on Project Helix.
Xbox has not officially confirmed plans for the digital entitlement program, but the feature is apparently in the testing phase. A lot of gamers are unhappy about the prospect of abandoning physical media, but the option might ease some frustrations. Xbox has struggled in the current generation, and the company will need its most passionate users to make Project Helix a success. Ensuring that current users don’t lose access to games they purchased over the last six years or more could help in that regard.
There are a lot of questions left unanswered about the next Xbox. RAM shortages could impact the Project Helix price, and Xbox has to find a way to convince lapsed fans that there’s still value in the company’s products. Without a release window or full details though, fans are going to have to wait and see exactly what to expect from the new system.
