Microsoft will be offering new options during Xbox game installations that will give users more freedom to choose which features to download. While most gamers can conveniently grab titles and updates when their Xbox is in Standby mode, the size of the downloads is what bothers some players. In the modern age of gaming where digital downloads are a huge part of the ecosystem, many fans are hoping that there are ways to be able to control not only the speed of online transfers, but also the size and space that software occupies.

Luckily, Microsoft's Xbox Insider Program has allowed the team to experiment when it comes to making optimal changes to the system. The service has allowed select users to get early access to new games and features with developer partners. This includes several experimental options that help shape the Xbox experience as a whole. One new update currently being provided by the program is the option to have more flexible game installations.

According to an update by Microsoft, Xbox Insiders will be receiving an Xbox Update Preview for the Alpha Skip-Ahead feature. Users will now be able to choose what parts of the game to download before installation. Games which support this new option should end up as a smaller download first, with the user being allowed to select if they want to downloading additional features such as multiplayer content, HD textures, and others. While prices of Xbox Storage Expansion cards have gone down significantly over time, game sizes have grown as well, and being able to have a choice of what contents to install should help players save space and reduce download time.

Hey Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha #XboxInsiders! We've recently added a couple new features and the latest release notes for both rings have been updated with more information. Be sure to check them out in the Xbox Insider Hub or here: https://t.co/gItN2GAp1o

— Xbox Insider (@xboxinsider) July 16, 2024

With Microsoft also currently testing the idea of pre-downloading Xbox game updates, the team seems to be focusing on optimizing the digital game space. Especially considering that the Xbox Series S itself is a digital-only console, being able to minimize the time and space factors involved in playing a game is a valid concern that Microsoft should continually fix to appease fans. The Series S's internal storage is already very small to begin with, so the option to download less is a good feature to have.

However, one thing that fans have been asking Microsoft to provide is the option to select what version of a game to download. While the Xbox's Smart Delivery does wonders in allowing players to sync progress, it also robs players of the option to select whether they want to install an Xbox One version of a game. Xbox users know that Xbox Series X/S games can only be installed on internal storage. Some games have versions which are nearly identical, and having the option to install an Xbox One version to the external drive could help players save even more space. Still, Microsoft's optimization features are heading in the right direction and there is still hope that updates will come out in the future.

Posted: Jul 21, 2024 2:00 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: https://gamerant.com/xbox-alpha-preview-new-game-installation-options/