Xbox Resurrects Friend Requests After 10-Year Hiatus

Xbox Revives Friend Requests: A Decade-Long Wait Ends

Xbox has finally reinstated the friend request system, a much-requested feature absent for a decade. This article details the return of this crucial social element.

Xbox Answers Player Pleas

A Joyful Reunion for Xbox Gamers

Xbox's announcement of the friend request system's return, via blog post and X (formerly Twitter), marks a significant shift from the previous decade's "follow" system.

"We're thrilled to bring back friend requests," stated Xbox Senior Product Manager Klarke Clayton. "Friendships are now mutual, invite-based, offering greater control and flexibility." The People tab on Xbox consoles will once again facilitate sending, accepting, or rejecting friend requests.

The previous "follow" system, while fostering an open social environment, lacked the control and intentionality of friend requests. The lack of a clear distinction between friends and followers often led to confusion, blurring the lines between genuine connections and casual acquaintances.

The "follow" feature will remain for one-way connections, allowing users to track content creators or communities without reciprocal approval.

Existing friends and followers will be automatically categorized under the new system. Clayton clarified, "Those who were mutual friends will remain so; followers will continue to be followed."

Microsoft prioritizes user privacy. New privacy and notification settings will accompany the friend request feature, controlling who can send requests, who can follow, and which notifications are received. These settings are accessible within the Xbox settings menu.

The news has been met with overwhelmingly positive social media reactions. Users celebrate the return, highlighting the previous system's shortcomings, which often resulted in an influx of unwanted followers without notification.

Some users humorously admitted to being unaware of the feature's absence. While this update primarily benefits social players, it doesn't diminish the appeal of solo gaming.

While a precise release date is pending, the feature is currently being tested by Xbox Insiders on consoles and PC. Xbox's tweet promises further details on the full rollout later this year.

Join the Xbox Insiders program to experience the revived friend request system early. Download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PC.