Microsoft has confirmed that its forthcoming Xbox One console will include another PS4-matching feature, with gamers will be able to start playing games once a ‘fraction’ of the game hits the hard drive.
The company has issued a statement saying that users will have access to their entire library of games when they log into any console and those titles will be available almost instantly once the download begins.
The rest of the game will download in the background while the gamer is able to jump right in to the first levels.
In a statement made on Tuesday the company said: “Consumers will be able to sign on to any Xbox One console and have access to all their digital games. Once the required data -– a fraction of the entire game -– is on their hard drive, they can jump into the action while the rest of the game finishes downloading in the background.”
Microsoft had already confirmed similar functionality for traditional disc-based games when the console was originally announced back in May. Games cannot be played on the Xbox One until they’re installed on the device, but the console gets the front end stuff out of the way first, allowing users to at least get started once the game installs in the background.
The news come less than a week after Sony confirmed that a PS4 owner’s entire digital library would be accessible by logging into any console.This opens the door for users to head over to friends houses and instantly begin playing their games.
The company had already confirmed in its original PS4 announcement that play-as-you-download would be a prominent feature for digital games.
With Microsoft’s “me-too” attitude towards the next-gen console race recently the differences between the two devices become less and less.
Are we on the verge of a two identikit consoles that sees current Microsoft and Sony loyalists just stick with what they know? Let us know in the comments section below.
Via Engadget
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
