Xbox Reinstates Friend Requests After Hiatus

Xbox Revives Friend Requests After a Decade-Long Absence

Xbox has delighted gamers by reintroducing the friend request system, a much-missed feature absent for ten years. This article details the return of this crucial social element.

Responding to Years of User Requests

A Joyful Reunion for Xbox Gamers

Xbox's announcement, shared via blog post and X (formerly Twitter), confirms the return of friend requests, a feature dating back to the Xbox 360 era. As Xbox Senior Product Manager Klarke Clayton stated, "We’re thrilled to announce the return of friend requests. Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility." This restores the ability to send, accept, or decline friend requests via the console's People tab.

The previous "follow" system, implemented on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, allowed users to see activity feeds without mutual agreement. While fostering an open environment, it lacked the control and intentionality of friend requests. The distinction between friends and followers was often unclear, leading to confusion.

The "follow" function remains, enabling one-way connections for following content creators or communities. Existing friends and followers will be automatically categorized under the new system. Clayton clarified, "You’ll stay friends with people who had also added you as a friend previously and continue following anyone who hadn’t."

Microsoft prioritizes user privacy. Enhanced privacy and notification settings will accompany the friend request update, allowing users to control who can send requests, who can follow, and which notifications are received. These settings are accessible via the Xbox settings menu.

Positive User Response

Social media erupted with positive feedback, with users expressing their excitement. The previous system's shortcomings, particularly the influx of unwanted followers without notification, were widely highlighted. Some users humorously admitted they weren't even aware of the feature's absence. While beneficial for social players, the update doesn't diminish the appeal of solo gaming.

Upcoming Rollout and Insider Access

A precise release date for the full rollout remains unannounced. However, given the strong user demand and current testing among Xbox Insiders on consoles and PC (starting this week), a full release later this year is highly anticipated. Xbox's tweet promises further details soon.

Join the Xbox Insiders program for early access. Download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC.