Xbox's Controversial Shift: Leaked Plans for All-Digital Future

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 4:56 a.m.

Microsoft faces controversy over leaked plans for a 2024 all-digital Xbox console refresh. Concerns arise about game preservation, digital versus physical games, and player experiences.

Microsoft's Ongoing Struggle with Xbox Game Preservation

In many respects, it seems as though Microsoft has never fully recovered from the turbulent launch of the Xbox One. A decade later, the company boasts new studios, improved consoles, and an impressive array of great games. However, the lingering shadow of its ill-fated foray into the all-digital realm with an expensive Kinect add-on still haunts the brand. This specter recently resurfaced when early plans were leaked for an all-digital lineup of console refreshes set to debut in 2024 for the Xbox Series X/S. The fears of a game preservation nightmare, which first emerged in 2013, may finally be realized.

Microsoft unwittingly disclosed an unprecedented trove of unredacted internal emails, presentations, and meeting documents related to Xbox. Among these revelations were slides outlining the company's plans for a mid-generation console refresh in 2024. The most contentious detail was that a new Xbox Series X, codenamed Brooklin, would be disc-less, cylindrical in shape, equipped with enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, and include an additional terabyte of hard drive space while retaining a $500 price tag.

This particular detail stirred controversy as it suggested that Microsoft might be steering away from physical game discs sooner than many players had anticipated. YouTuber Mutahar "SomeOrdinaryGamers" Anas voiced his concern, stating, "MS doesn't care about preserving games at all. At this point, you may as well get a PC and access every other storefront as well." Game developer and YouTuber ModernVintageGamer echoed these sentiments, declaring, "You'll never be able to convince me that Xbox cares about game preservation."

News of a potential all-digital future for Xbox consoles arrives amidst a gradual shutdown of digital storefronts for older generations. Earlier this year, the 3DS and Wii U eShops closed their virtual doors. Sony initially announced a similar fate for the PS3 and Vita stores in 2021 but later reversed the decision. However, the same cannot be said for the Xbox 360, as Microsoft plans to discontinue its older digital shop in July 2024.

For the time being, players who already own digital games can continue to download them. Nevertheless, with new online games shutting down every month, the vulnerability of digital game preservation remains a constant concern. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged the limited player base still engaging with Xbox 360 games on the original console, describing it as "a pretty small community."

The trend towards an all-digital future is unmistakable. Daniel Ahmed, research director at Niko Partners, pointed out that the majority of Xbox Series consoles in circulation are the disc-less Series S versions. Additionally, over 70 percent of game sales on PlayStation are digital downloads. Players are now spending more on microtransactions and subscriptions than on purchasing games outright. "How platform holders approach next-gen consoles will determine longevity," Ahmed tweeted.

Despite the convenience of digital downloads, eliminating physical games entirely can save companies money without necessarily offering players any tangible benefits. Digital game prices have become significantly more competitive, with major storefronts frequently offering substantial discounts. However, the allure of rummaging through the bargain bin at a local GameStop for a $10 used copy of Far Cry 6 still holds its appeal. Moreover, physical games can be shared with friends once they have been enjoyed.

Oli Welsh of Polygon emphasized the potential downsides of a disc-less gaming generation, stating, "Digital games have no resale value, retailers will suffer, and there's a very concerning knock-on effect for game preservation." He also pointed out that digital collections may seem permanent, but they ultimately depend on the whims of storefront operators, who can, and often do, delist games at their discretion.

Tom Philips, Editor-in-Chief at Eurogamer, shared a similar critical view of a disc-less Xbox generation. He praised Microsoft's efforts to enhance Xbox 360 releases and enable players to enjoy 4K versions of select titles with their existing discs. However, he questioned how this would work in the years to come without a disc drive to accommodate personal game collections.

Philips also noted that Microsoft had labeled some of the information in the leaks as outdated. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer tweeted, "So much has changed. We will share the real plans when we are ready." This leaves room for speculation about whether the current Xbox Series X will be succeeded by an all-digital successor or if Microsoft will introduce an optional external optical drive add-on, similar to the rumored plans for Sony's unannounced PS5 Slim. As of now, Microsoft has not responded to requests for clarification.

Microsoft's original vision for the Xbox One involved licensing games, effectively turning them into rental properties, regardless of whether players possessed physical discs. Sony famously mocked this proposition with the memorable "Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video" during E3 2013, prompting Microsoft to swiftly change course in response to the backlash. The recent unplanned leaks offer Microsoft an opportunity to reassess its strategy once more, or else the responsibility of game preservation may continue to rely on piracy to safeguard the medium's history.

In conclusion, Microsoft's latest leaks have reignited debates about the future of game preservation and the company's commitment to physical media. The potential shift toward an all-digital Xbox generation raises questions about the fate of physical game collections, resale value, and the longevity of digital storefronts. While the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will navigate this challenging terrain and whether it will provide a clear path forward for the preservation of gaming history.