Xbox is set to bring back a fan-favorite feature that was last implemented during the Xbox 360 era and has not been seen for more than a decade, friend requests.
The long-requested feature will finally come back and be accessible to Xbox Insiders starting this week. Furthermore, those who have joined the PC Gaming review on Windows PC and handheld devices, such as ROG Ally, will get a chance to try it out.
Xbox is Bringing Back Friend Requests
The returning feature will let users "easily send, accept, or delete friend requests." It would also make friends on Xbox a "two-way, invite-approved relationship." They will also be able to continue to follow their favorite creators on Xbox separately.
Under the current system, when you add another to your list, you make them a follower until they also add you to their friends list. However, since there are no notifications, the situation can sometimes make it hard to keep track of friends on Xbox's platforms, according to IGN.
The returning system was first introduced more than a decade ago with the Xbox One and was especially popular during its time. Many fans have been calling on Xbox to bring back friend requests as a simple form of connecting with other players.
One user complained in 2018 saying that they understood the reason why Xbox removed the friend requests feature in the first place. This was to let users follow their favorite content creators without the latter having to approve the "friendship."
A Simple and Straightforward Feature
Microsoft said that it was thrilled to announce the return of the beloved feature that will once again make it simple and straightforward to connect with other people.
The company is still testing out the feature and will share more details in the future, said the VideoGamesChronicle.
With the return of friend requests, existing friends and followers will update automatically. This means that you will still be friends with those who also added you to their friends lists. Furthermore, you will also still be a follower of the creators that you are following.
On top of the returning friend requests feature, Xbox is launching new privacy and notification options. This is to help users manage the return of friendship to let them set who is able to follow them or send them friend requests.
The company's blog post did not mention an official release date for the returning feature. The latest development is the most recent in a wave of Xbox news in the last month.
These include the introduction of the Game Pass Standard subscription and pre-orders for all-digital Xbox Series X, according to Engadget.
