Xbox is bringing back friend requests after a decade of absence

Back with the introduction of the Xbox One, Microsoft removed its previous friend request functionality – replacing it with a social media styled ‘followers’ feed instead. A decade on from this major change, Microsoft has announced that it is reverting back to the old friends system – with some tweaks.

Making the announcement on the Xbox Wire Blog, Klarke Clayton – the Senior Product Manager for Player Experience and Platform – said:

“Beginning this week, starting with Alpha Skip-Ahead users on Xbox consoles, and users that have joined the PC Gaming preview on Windows PCs and handheld devices, Xbox Insiders will be able to preview an updated friends and followers experience! With updated relationships, and new privacy and notification settings, you can start managing your social experiences with Xbox just the way you like, from any device.”

In bringing both followers and now friends back into the fray, Xbox owners will be able to more easily organise their profiles – while also possibly providing a safer environment overall.

As mentioned, Followers aren’t going away, but with the new friend request system, all mutual followers will be added as friends automatically.

Full details on exactly how this new system works can be found HERE, but in essence it seems like Xbox is trying to give players the best of both worlds.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of the updated system? Is it an improvement? Let us know your thoughts down below.

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