For the first time since the Xbox 360 days, Xbox users will be able to send and receive friend requests. The announcement was made via a blog post on the official Xbox website, which provided more details.
“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!” the post reads. “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.”
We’re re-introducing friend requests!
You will be able to send, accept, or delete friend requests, in addition to following or being followed by others.
We are testing with Xbox Insiders now and look forward to sharing more later this year on a full rollout. pic.twitter.com/dQCNEtGBtk
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 11, 2024
The current friends system, which was introduced alongside the Xbox One, allows players to add a fellow user to their friends list. But unless that user also adds them back, they’re only considered a “follower” and can only see content made public by the user they added. But because there’s no notification for gaining a new follower, it can be easy to miss a friend or fellow player who is trying to connect with you via Xbox.
Although Xbox Insiders and those who have joined the PC Gaming preview on PCs or handheld devices will gain access to the revived feature this week, the rest of Xbox’s playerbase will have to wait, as Xbox did not specify when the new friend-request feature will become available to non-Insiders.
