Xbox has changed the process of setting up connections on the gaming platform, and its new method works like any other social platform, where you can send a friend request that is accepted or declined
But Xbox has taken a more passive approach to friends in the last generation of consoles. The way the current system works is that anyone can add another Xbox account to their following list. When two accounts follow each other, they are promoted to friends
The change shouldn't make a huge difference to the Social tab for players, if you're already friends you'll stay friends, and if you're not, you'll continue to follow the account, meaning you can still keep an eye on updates from individuals, clubs, and games within the Xbox ecosystem
Xbox is also launching new privacy and notification options to help manage friend reunion, so players can control who can follow them or send them friend requests.
The blog post didn't mention a release date for when the new buddy system will get a public rollout, but it's available starting this week as a preview for people in the Xbox Insiders program
Today's announcement is the latest in a wave of Xbox news over the past month, with the company also introducing its Game Pass Standard plan and opening pre-orders for the all-digital Xbox Series X