Xbox will now let you download and install games to a console without the purchase of the game beforehand, it’s recently been discovered.
Jerko Cilas of Lords of Gaming made the discovery while playing around with the new Xbox App, downloading and installing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla without a purchase.
“Xbox has a new feature that allows you to download and install any game, even if you don’t own it,” Cilas wrote. “For example if you have ordered a [disc-based] version of the game you will be able to preload the game before your [disc] arrives. Meaning you can play the game the moment you insert the [disc].”
Cilas’ example is probably the most useful, but it also means that players could install games while they’re deciding if they want to buy or not. When the decision to buy is made, the game’s already there.
We’ve asked Microsoft for further comment on the feature, which assumedly would work across both Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
