THE CRUNCH
Microsoft is reportedly asking Xbox Insiders whether physical discs should be a feature for its next-generation console. The survey, conducted through the Xbox Insider Hub, asks participants to rank the importance of installing games from discs, with options ranging from 'Not Necessary' to 'Must Have'. This inquiry comes as Microsoft pushes a disc-to-digital program that converts physical copies into digital licenses
The survey appears to be a direct response to the company's recent disc-to-digital initiative, which allows players to insert a disc to create a digital license. This move aims to prevent discs from being rented, borrowed, or sold to others, effectively centralising ownership on Microsoft's servers. The feedback gathered will reportedly be used to analyse and make decisions regarding the console's design.
The survey's existence suggests that Microsoft is weighing the convenience of a fully digital ecosystem against the demand for physical media. While the disc-to-digital program has been rolled out, the survey indicates that the company is still considering whether to include a disc drive in its next-generation hardware.