This Will Also Include Games Removed from the Xbox Disc-to-Digital Store
A new detail has emerged about Microsoft’s disc-to-digital feature, which it is testing with Xbox Insider users. Nicholas Maguire, who tested the system, revealed that he was able to convert the Xbox One version of Deadpool, which is no longer available in the digital store, from a physical disc to a digital license. This result suggests that the feature may not be limited to games currently on sale and could also provide access to some titles that were removed from the store years ago.
Xbox Disc-to-Digital May Preserve Digital Access to Older Games
In Maguire’s test, a Deadpool disc was used, and although the game is no longer available for digital purchase, a digital license was assigned to the Xbox account. This point is important because if the system only worked with games actively sold in the store, the disc-to-digital feature would have a much more limited benefit for older physical archives.
Deadpool first launched in 2013 and was removed from digital stores when Activision’s Marvel license expired. Later re-released, the game was delisted again in 2017. Those who previously purchased digital copies can still download the game, but new users don’t have the option to buy it digitally.
Similar situations exist with Marvel Ultimate Alliance and some 007 games published by Activision. These titles, removed from digital stores due to expiring licensing agreements, are still accessible thanks to physical copies. The fact that disc-to-digital support works on delisted games could be a significant advantage for future digital transfers of physical archives.
The feature is currently only being tested in the Xbox Insider program, and Microsoft hasn’t yet announced a general release date. However, initial trials suggest the system can do more than just offer ease of use. If widely implemented, Xbox will provide physical game owners with a significant option to preserve older, discontinued titles in their digital libraries.
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