Digital Licenses
Ongoing coverage on Digital Licenses.
Latest coverage
Sony attempts to spin PlayStation disc reduction while physical media sales boom
Sony is attempting to reframe its decision to reduce physical disc production for PlayStation games, following consumer backlash. While a representative clarified that the reduction is not down to 10% but rather an overall 10% decline in product volume, the company declined to comment on disc production beyond 2028. This news comes amidst a reported boom in physical media sales, with consumers pushing back against the trend of digital-only ownership.
Square Enix, Ubisoft Have Opted Out of Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program – Report
Ubisoft and Square Enix have reportedly opted out of Microsoft's Xbox disc-to-digital program, preventing users from converting physical game discs into digital licenses. While neither company has commented, it's possible they may join the service upon its full public release. The program allows users to obtain digital entitlements for physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games, with Microsoft emphasizing player choice in media formats.
Sony’s Digital Game Ownership Argument Is Another Attack On Consumer Rights
Sony is arguing in a class-action lawsuit that it does not mislead consumers about purchasing digital game licenses instead of actual ownership. The company claims reasonable consumers understand these are licenses, not full ownership, and points to its terms of service disclaimers. This stance is concerning for the future of gaming, especially as physical media options diminish.
Fans are using Xbox's disc-to-digital feature to save long-delisted titles like the Deadpool game, Rock Band 4, and…
Xbox users are leveraging the new disc-to-digital feature to reclaim delisted digital licenses for physical games, including titles like Deadpool and Rock Band 4. While not all games are supported, the initiative is seen as a positive step for game preservation, contrasting with the perceived abandonment of physical media by PlayStation 5.
Betatest av Xbox program för digitalisering av spelskivor drar snart igång
Xbox is launching a beta test for a new program that allows users to get digital licenses for their physical game discs. Starting August 31, members of the Xbox Insider program can digitize their Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs, with thousands of titles supported initially. This feature will enable benefits like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Library Is PC-Bound — But Not Until 2027-2028
Microsoft plans to gradually bring its Xbox 360 game library to PC between 2027 and 2028, according to a leaked developer document. These games will be playable on future 'Project Helix' consoles, 'Xbox PCs,' and handheld devices, with developers holding the key to which titles are included and if they appear on Game Pass. The article also details a disc-to-digital program for Xbox One and Series X/S games, where inserting a physical disc grants a digital license tied to the account, but this license is lost if the disc is sold.
Xbox Rolling Out Disc-to-Digital Conversion for Insiders This Week – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature for Xbox Insiders that would allow users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. This feature, codenamed "Positron," is expected to support Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles, but not older console generations. The move could be a way for players to maintain access to their libraries if future Xbox consoles omit disc drives.
Xbox reportedly to follow PlayStation's example and ditch discs for next-gen console Project Helix
Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, is reportedly set to omit a disc drive, following Sony's rumored decision for the PlayStation 6. The company is also developing a feature to convert owned physical game discs into digital licenses, allowing players to play without inserting the disc, though this will not apply to older Xbox 360 or original Xbox titles.
Xbox sägs testa funktion för att digitalisera spelskivor
Xbox is reportedly testing a new feature that allows players to digitize their physical game discs, creating a digital license tied to the disc. This functionality is said to be limited to Xbox One and Xbox Series X games. The move comes as Sony plans to discontinue physical game releases on PlayStation consoles by 2028, raising questions about the future of physical media in gaming.
Xbox Testing the Ability to Convert Game Discs Into Digital Licenses – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Xbox is testing a feature that would allow players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. This potential move aims to help players with large physical game collections access their libraries digitally. Older console generations like Xbox 360 and the original Xbox would not be supported.
Morning Consolidation
Microsoft is reportedly exploring a system called Positron that could allow Xbox physical game discs to be converted into digital licenses. This technology would enable players to redeem their disc-based games digitally, potentially offering a new way to access their game libraries.
Microsoft Seemingly Working on Game Pass For China
Microsoft appears to be preparing to launch Xbox Game Pass in China, with datamined files from the Xbox PC app referencing "Project Saluki" for market expansion. The service is expected to feature a curated selection of games to comply with the region's strict gaming regulations. Additionally, a feature called "Positron" was discovered, potentially enabling a Disc2Digital service for physical game licenses.
PS5 Game Expiry DRM Potentially Explained, Sony Still Yet to Comment
Concerns have arisen regarding a potential new DRM policy by Sony that appears to impose a 30-day expiry on newly purchased digital games for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. While Sony has not officially commented, theories suggest this is a temporary measure to combat refund fraud, requiring a PSN connection within 14 days of purchase to make the license permanent. The issue has raised significant worries about long-term game preservation.
Sony Makes Stealth Change to PS Store Games, Users Concerned
Sony has introduced a 30-day 'Valid Period' for digital game purchases on the PlayStation Store, causing concern among PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users. The exact meaning of this change is unclear, with theories suggesting it relates to license checks, and Sony Support has provided unhelpful responses.
