Xbox Reportedly Testing Disc2Digital Feature to Convert Disc Games to Digital

Microsoft is reportedly working on a new Disc2Digital feature that will allow owners of disc versions of Xbox Series X and Xbox One games to obtain a digital license without having to repurchase them.

According to The Verge, the new system is already undergoing internal testing among Xbox employees. After installing a compatible game from a disc, the user will be able to obtain a digital right to it – as if the game was purchased from the Xbox Store.

After this, the disc will no longer be required to launch the game. Users will be able to play it like a regular digital copy with all the associated benefits. For example, if the game supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, Game Pass subscribers will be able to launch it via the cloud. And if the project is part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program, the owner will automatically get access to the PC version as well.

According to sources, the feature will only work with discs for Xbox Series X and Xbox One. Support for Xbox 360 and original Xbox games is not yet provided.

To prevent mass sharing of digital licenses, Microsoft, according to the publication, will link the digital right not only to the account but also to the disc itself. If a user gives the disc to a friend, sells it, or logs in with a different account, the digital license will automatically transfer with the physical media. At the same time, the disc itself will continue to work as usual, and the previous owner will lose access to the digital version after transferring the disc to another person.