Xbox has finally reinstated the much-requested friend request system, ending a ten-year absence. This welcome change addresses a long-standing community concern, reverting to a more traditional social interaction model.
A Two-Way Street: Control and Flexibility
The return of friend requests, announced via blog and Twitter (X), signifies a shift from the previous "follow" system. As Xbox Senior Product Manager Klarke Clayton stated, "Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility." Users can now send, accept, or decline friend requests via the console's People tab.
The "follow" system, implemented on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, allowed users to see activity feeds without mutual consent. While fostering an open environment, it lacked the control and intentionality of friend requests, often blurring the lines between genuine friends and casual acquaintances.
The "follow" feature will remain, allowing users to track content creators or communities without requiring reciprocal action. Existing friends and followers will be automatically categorized under the new system, maintaining existing connections.
Privacy and Customization
Microsoft prioritizes user privacy. New privacy and notification settings accompany the friend request feature, allowing users to control who can send requests, who can follow, and which notifications are received. These settings are accessible within the Xbox settings menu.
Positive Reception and Anticipation
The announcement has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback on social media. Users express relief and amusement, highlighting the previous system's shortcomings. While some were unaware of the feature's absence, the return caters to those seeking more intentional online connections.
A precise release date for the full rollout is pending. However, given the strong community demand and current testing among Xbox Insiders (on consoles and PC, beginning this week), a broader release later this year is highly anticipated. Join the Xbox Insiders program for early access.
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