Physical editions of games for Microsoft consoles may feature useful information.

It’s becoming increasingly common for game boxes to lack the traditional disc that we insert into our console to install the game. Fallout 76, for example, didn’t include a disc; it only had a disc-shaped piece of paper in the case. Sometimes, they only include a download code, which doesn’t sit well with players. We understand their frustration, as the issue of game preservation is gaining traction in connection with the Stop Killing Games campaign. However, game publishers are doing everything in their power to undermine it by citing various excuses.

As a result, Microsoft has decided to update the labels on game covers released for the Xbox Series to provide clearer information. For instance, if a disc is included in the case, the text “Game Disc” will appear on the gray bar at the bottom of the cover. If not, the text “Requires Internet” will be accompanied by “Game download only – No disc included.” This makes it easy to tell when a disc is included and when the package contains only a download code.

Customers will know what’s inside the box before buying it, which is helpful. It will be interesting to see if this leads to standardization that both Nintendo and Sony might adopt. With Nintendo, some Switch 2 games are released as Game Key Cards, meaning you have to download the game to access it. With the PlayStation 5, a note in the bottom right corner might indicate that an internet connection is required. Meanwhile, the top of the case, beneath the PS5 logo, states that the package contains only a download code and no disc.

Unfortunately, disc versions of games are becoming rare with the rise of digital downloads, and Blu-ray drives are also being omitted from consoles (this obviously does not apply to the Switch).

Source: Instant Gaming