Report: Microsoft won’t let developers charge for Xbox Series X upgrades

A new report has emerged which suggests that Microsoft will not allow developers to charge players to upgrade to the Xbox Series X versions of games. 

According to sources speaking to VGC, the console giant wants to do right by consumers when it comes to them potentially needing to purchase the same game a second time on its next-gen console. 

Cyberpunk 2077, Marvel’s Avengers and Halo Infinite are just a few of the titles confirmed to be offering free upgrades from their Xbox One versions, something that Microsoft is actively encouraging developers to do, but is allegedly forbidding them from charging for the privelage. 

Smart Delivery is a flagship feature of Xbox Series X which will allow players to purchase a game once and play it across Xbox One, PC and Xbox Series X. All your achievements, save data and other personal effects will be carried over between versions. 

Related: Best Xbox Series X Games

It’s a clever idea, and given the upcoming generations focus on backwards compatibility and maintaining a sense of progression between consoles, the right move to be making. Microsoft is also encouraging “cross-gen bundles” where you receive both versions of the game for a set price, a route which has been taken by NBA 2K21.

Games that do not support Smart Delivery won’t be able to share save data between different versions of the same game, which means you’ll need to replay certain parts of something if you hope to own it on both platforms. Knowing this, it makes sense why Microsoft is pushing for it so much. 

Yesterday, Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase set to take place on July 23. It will focus on first-party titles from major studios and finally provide us with a solid glimpse at the next-gen console’s launch line-up. Smart Delivery will likely be a frequent buzzword during the show, so keep an eye out for it there.