Xbox

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Xbox bundles do away with game codes to use Digital Direct

Microsoft has seemingly put a new system in place regarding the digital codes that users have previously used to activate their games.

Xbox

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This system is called Digital Direct and the description on the Xbox website says: “With Digital Direct, no codes are required. All digital content including games, subscriptions and exclusive content will be redeemed to your Microsoft account and directly delivered to your Xbox console during setup.”

It sounds like Microsoft have tried to make things easier for users as you now no longer have to type in long pesky passwords to redeem your content. They do have a little disclaimer on the site that mentions: “All included digital content will be attached to the first Microsoft Account that redeems it.”

Possible inconveniences with Digital Direct

This could potentially cause an inconvenience with people living together and sharing an Xbox, as you wouldn’t be able to share content and would have to sign in to the account that the content is stored on.

The other potential issue here is for those users who would buy consoles with games included, but they already own the game or aren’t interested in playing certain games. It could be because they bought the console because of its aesthetic and not necessarily the game choice included. Now it is impossible to give away or sell these games — all in the name of convenience.

The system also makes it impossible to give or sell those redeemable items, at least not without potentially compromising the security of people’s Xbox accounts.

They’ll just have to buy those games on their own, which is exactly what Microsoft wants.

So, this extra added security feature could be annoying but will help users in the end.

Setting up

With Digital Direct, instead of a long redemption code you will be given an extensive message on start up. During this setup process, all the content attached to the console will appear to redeem. You will then need to click the “Claim it” option to claim your items and once they have been claimed. The content will be found under My Games and Apps.

It is possible though to redeem this content later if you have skipped this process by mistake during the start up. You will just need to go to your Xbox’s account settings and see what is included.

All in all, the system seems to be a step in the right direction technologically, and will make Xbox users’ lives just that much easier.

Also read: New AMD GPU powering PS5 and Xbox Series X likely to be released before consoles