When advancing for the next-generation consoles before even announcing the new systems themselves, Microsoft disclosed that further support to introduce new titles to Xbox’s backwards compatibility program would be halted. In the time since then, the firm has elaborated on its ambitions to reinvent game preservation with new features that was not achievable for the systems at the time.
Back in March of this year, Microsoft offered some insight on how previous generation titles will be presented for the newer consoles. In that, the firm shared that higher resolution outputs and better performance in frame counts are expected from the more powerful technological architecture. Howbeit, it came as a surprise when the team disclosed that the same games can also be found to also support HDR by default thanks to new miracles done by the internal teams at Microsoft.
Further on in July, Phil Spencer emphasizes on the amount of backwards compatible titles that players can find primed for the release of the Xbox Series X. He tells that the Microsoft is aiming to include the current Xbox 360 & Original Xbox libraries alongside the majority of Xbox One titles this coming November; excluding Kinect-supported properties.
But looking ahead for Xbox Series X|S, the firm shares to be interested in bringing more titles to its backwards compatibility library once the ground settles for the next-generation consoles. Microsoft shares this when speaking to Game Informer recently
It’s definitely something that we’re looking into, and I’ll say “Never say never.” But I will also say some of these games were designed before the idea of generational compatibility came into play. So, in some cases, we’ve run into some technical challenges, and in other cases, there’s licensing challenges and whatnot. So, the team’s definitely looking into it. I can’t commit to anything here, but it’s definitely something top of mind for us and something that we are investigating.
Jason Ronald, Xbox Director of Product Management
Gathered from the statement, Microsoft is certainly interested in returning to adding new titles to the plethora of prior generation titles. However, as stated, there are variables that could refrain plenty of games from doing so. From licensing to general implementation, the in-house team has plenty to overcome to achieve this leading forward.
While it is a tall order for Microsoft to approach, it certainly is not impossible. The firm shared last month despite the questionable integrity of the Xbox Series S that its team are capable of resolving issues regarding backwards compatibility. You can read the full report by heading here.
What do you think Microsoft should introduce next to the Xbox backwards compatibility library next?
Xbox Series X|S is set to release on November 10, 2020.
Source: Game Informer
