The Xbox One has released an updated version of the console’s OS to Insiders, and a new feature has some gamers wondering what’s next. A “shrinkable games” tab has been found on the Xbox One, but the details aren’t quite clear.
The above image was taken by NeoGAF user Skyline Owl. In the image, we see the Xbox One’s hard drive manager with a new tab labeled “shrinkable games.” The text on the tab reads “When you have games on this Xbox that can shrink while still being playable, you’ll see them here.”
Going on this information, it seems Xbox One games may be able to be disassembled in the future. This could include only installing certain language packs (I don’t need to install Russian subtitles if I don’t know Russian in the first place) or even dropping entire chunks of the game. One popular idea online is this feature will allow you to only install a game’s single-player or multiplayer side, leaving free space on your hard drive for other games.
A different theory suggests this could be related to Microsoft’s game streaming initiatives. As reported by GamesRadar+, Microsoft is working on a program called “Intelligent Delivery” for the Xbox One X. Intelligent Delivery will take large games, like the 100GB size of Forza 7 in 4K, and only install certain aspects to a console’s hard drive. The rest of the game files will live on Microsoft’s cloud, ready to be accessed as needed.
Microsoft’s Mike Ybarra told GamesRadar+ that Intelligent Delivery will install a level or two from a game you’re playing, and leave the rest off your hard drive. Once you move on, the next levels will be swapped in and what you already played will be removed. This way, the only section of a game you are playing that is actually on your console is the only section you’ll need immediately.
Ybarra didn’t mention when the Intelligent Delivery service would be available, and what games would be compatible with it. However, seeing as how the shrinkable games tab has been found on an Xbox One, this service will likely not be exclusive to the Xbox One X.
So what do you think? Are you interested in seeing what Microsoft has in store for reducing a game’s file size? What other advancements would you like to see for your console? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
