When the Xbox One was first introduced, it came alongside a number of (some controversial) features, one of which was the Family Sharing feature that was eventually scrapped by the company. However, in a recent turn of events, Microsoft has revealed that the feature could still make a comeback to the console post-launch, depending on how much fans want it.
Xbox One chief product officer Marc Whitten was recently in an interview with IGN where he discussed the feature and its potential comeback on the console. Whitten stated that the company still has a lot to work left when it comes to communicating with consumers.
“If it’s something that people are really excited about and want, we’re going to make sure that we find the right way to bring it back. A ‘road map’ sort of implies more like ‘on date X it’s back’ than I think exists, but we believe really strongly in how you build a great experience on Xbox One for me as an individual, but also for my family. Family Sharing is a great example of how you do that with content,” Whitten stated.
“I think you’re going to see us, both with examples like that and with other things, keep pushing on how that’s something great. An example is some of the stuff we’re doing with what we announced around Gold, where other people in the house get the advantages of Gold when I’m a Gold member. You’re going to see us continue to push in those areas," said Whitten.
For those who are still not familiar with the Family Sharing feature, it was intended to allow up to 10 family members to share each other's digital pool of games. Microsoft never fully explained how the feature would work. When Microsoft decided to chalk out entirely new rules and regulations as far as digital content sharing is concerned, the feature got the boot. The company also reversed the need for 24-hour online checks, alongside ditching the highly criticized limits on second-hand games.
Xbox One, alongside Sony’s PlayStation 4, is set for a 2013 release this November.