Xbox President Sarah Bond is leading a new internal team focused on game preservation and future-proofing hardware, a crucial initiative in today’s digital age. The team is dedicated to ensuring that games remain available on new hardware for future generations of players to enjoy.
With a strong commitment to backwards compatibility, Xbox has made hundreds of Xbox 360 titles available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Even original Xbox games can be played on the current consoles. However, Microsoft is closing parts of the Xbox 360 storefront, limiting access to many games.
Game preservation is a hot topic in the gaming industry, as seen with PlayStation and Nintendo shutting down older storefronts like the PlayStation 3, PSP, PS Vita, Wii U, and 3DS eShops. These closures mark the end of an era for many beloved titles due to licensing issues.
In addition to game preservation efforts, Bond also announced the integration of Activision Blizzard and Battle.net into Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. Since its introduction to Xbox Game Pass in March, Diablo IV has become a hit on the platform.
Stay tuned for more updates on this important initiative during Xbox’s annual showcase event on June 9th, 2024 in Los Angeles. As we continue to prioritize game preservation and future-proofing hardware, we aim to provide an amazing library of Xbox games for years to come. Join us in preserving the legacy of gaming for future generations!