Microsoft Encourages Major Publishers to Join Smart Delivery for Free Xbox Series X Upgrade

When it comes to compatibility with previous generations and cross-generation features, we cannot deny that Microsoft has taken the lead here and have been preparing for it for the past few years. Not only have the Redmond people emphasized backward compatibility with previous generations, but they've also adapted Xbox Series X with incredible capabilities to make all the old games look much better and adapt to the new hardware with added, remarkable improvements. In addition to all this, the Smart Delivery system allows you to purchase the next generation of game upgrades for free and also has a crossave so you can take the progress of your games with you.

According to the VGC digital media, which has several reliable sources, Microsoft has been actively encouraging companies to join the Smart Delivery initiative, which includes, as mentioned above, the free update of the games to the new generation on Xbox Series X, as well as the corssave between versions. However, the service is not universal and is left to the publishers themselves. Some publishers have chosen to include their own system, such as Electronic Arts. According to VGC, even if a company has chosen not to use Smart Delivery but is running its own update program, Microsoft would like them to offer the update for free.

One of lime and one of sand

The problem is aggravated when we see that some publishers are offering the games of the new generation versions with an extra price increase, as is the case of 'NBA 2K21', which will go on sale with a price increase for the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, something that clashes completely with Microsoft's proposal. The only option to get the 'NBA 2K21' upgrade if you have the current generation is to buy the Legends Edition directly, which is much, much more expensive. In any case, we'll see how this issue evolves in the coming months and if Microsoft's Smart Delivery ends up prevailing.