With both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X officially in the works for some time and possibly nearing release, a big game company like EA is asked as to whether or not they’d be giving free upgrades of their games with the new consoles in mind.
In an EA earning’s briefing, CFO Blake Jorgensen gave his thought on the matter. In it, he said that the games that the company is releasing for the current-gen consoles ‘can also be upgraded for free for the next generation.’
Breaking: Official Xbox Series X Logo Revealed ????https://t.co/cFnApsKZ7J
— Xbox Series X News (@XboxSeriesXInfo) April 22, 2020
A Possible Misinterpretation?
For something that is written in words and not spoken, Jorgensen’s claim to the matter is hardly a misinterpretation.
However, it is also worth noting that it’s also established that games on current-gen consoles are backward-compatible with their upcoming successors post-launch.
For instance, Xbox One owners could play all of the games in the console’s library with the Xbox Series X. Alternatively, a majority of titles on the PlayStation 4 is playable on the PlayStation 5.
The idea of ‘backward compatibility’ causes to muddy up an otherwise clear statement on the matter. Likely, on the idea that Jorgensen might be mistaking the free upgrade with backward playability of games.
Pay Once, Play on Both Consoles
Recently, Microsoft announced a new system where consumers will only have to pay for a game once and play the game on either Xbox One or Series X. Calling itself the ‘Smart Delivery,’ it lets players buy a game on Xbox One and let it be playable on Series X. The same is also true for the opposite.
The idea behind the Smart Delivery goes in contrast to what consumers had experienced when shifting from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One. Similarly, players also encountered the same with Sony when migrating from PS3 to PS4.
This Assassin's Creed Valhalla Xbox Series X concept looks amazing ???? @ACValhallaNews
(Credit: @XboxPope) #XboxSeriesX #AssassinsCreedValhalla pic.twitter.com/shKCfl5doV
— Xbox Series X News (@XboxSeriesXInfo) April 30, 2020
Firsts among the list of games that will offer the said ‘free upgrade’ is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077.
A Microsoft Holiday Treat
Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be launched on holiday this year. But while Sony is hesitant in sticking to its promise due to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19, Microsoft appears keen in delivering.
UPDATE: The "Thanksgiving 2020" release window was inaccurately listed on the official Xbox website in some regions.
Xbox Series X is still set to launch Holiday 2020, according to a Microsoft representative. https://t.co/0XKBLiLqvA
— Xbox Series X News (@XboxSeriesXInfo) March 18, 2020
Recently, Xbox boss Phil Spencer made a statement as to how the company is going smoothly amid the crisis. Although seemingly not unaffected by the coronavirus, he mentioned having overcome the issue. This, if anything, only guarantees the Xbox Series X eventual release later in the year.
Image used courtesy of Twitter/EA