Microsoft is gearing up to allow developers to bring classic Xbox 360 games to the PC platform, following their earlier plans to expand Xbox game availability. This information was revealed through an internal document that was leaked and reviewed by The Verge.
Embracing Cross-Platform Play
The document indicates that Xbox 360 games will eventually be playable on next-generation consoles, referred to as Project Helix, as well as on a new device dubbed the "Xbox PC" and handheld consoles. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's vision of creating a seamless gaming ecosystem, similar to the successful model established by Steam.
Shifting Towards Digital Licensing
In addition to expanding access to classic games, Microsoft is preparing for a future that favors digital licensing, mirroring Sony's hints at phasing out physical game formats. Developers will have the autonomy to enable backward compatibility for Xbox 360 titles and will also dictate the pricing and availability of their games on the Game Pass subscription service.
Projected Rollout Timeline
According to the leaked document, this feature is expected to roll out gradually between 2027 and 2028 for all next-generation devices. Meanwhile, a full launch of original Xbox games on PC is set for October 2026, following initial testing that included four games earlier this July.
Innovative Disc-to-Digital Mechanism
The document also outlines an innovative mechanism known as disc-to-digital, which allows players to obtain a digital license for physical games they own. The process is straightforward: players can insert an Xbox One or Xbox Series game disc into a console with a disc drive to automatically receive a digital license tied to that disc and their account. This digital license will then be playable across various Xbox devices.
Interestingly, Microsoft is accommodating the resale market for used games. If a physical disc is sold or traded, the digital license will transfer to the new owner, meaning the original owner will lose access to the digital version obtained from the disc.
A public beta for the disc-to-digital program was initially slated for a July launch with Xbox Insiders, aiming for a broader release in August. However, this beta launch has been delayed, and it remains unclear if the August timeline is still feasible.
This series of significant updates comes on the heels of a major restructuring within Microsoft’s Xbox division, which occurred in July. This aggressive reset resulted in layoffs of thousands of employees and the sale of four game studios.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8605629/microsoft-mau-bawa-game-xbox-360-ke-pc
