You probably are aware of Microsoft’s Smart Delivery program. The idea is that you should be able to pay once for a game you want, and then access it across all platforms. The other day, the company confirmed 14 games for Xbox Series X Smart Delivery next gen upgrades. But how do publishers fit into the picture? We have some new insights thanks to a recent report.
Xbox Wants Next Gen Upgrades to be Free for Gamers
Publishers don’t appear to be all that enthusiastic about taking part in the program, which is not a surprise. VGC reports, “Xbox has told developers that they cannot charge players to upgrade their current-gen games to Xbox Series X versions as DLC, as an alternative to its free Smart Delivery scheme. That’s according to publishing sources with knowledge of Microsoft‘s next-gen policies, who told VGC that companies working on cross-gen games have been encouraged to offer both current and next-gen versions at no additional cost, either via Smart Delivery or their own schemes such as EA’s Dual Entitlement.
The site also reports that a spokesperson from Microsoft said, “Developers and publishers ultimately decide how they deliver their games, and we work with them to provide the best possible experience based on their needs.”
So, it sounds like some publishers have tried to steer around the system. They want to force players to purchase DLC as a way to upgrade their games. But Microsoft is aware of the scheme and is moving to prevent it.
It is understandable that some publishers and developers would want to charge twice for their games. Why sell one when you can sell two at twice the price? But as a gamer, when you pay to own something, it is frustrating when your ownership evaporates because you upgraded your console. Bundled packages like Dual Entitlement seem like a good middle ground. But we hope that more publishers will get onboard with Smart Delivery.