Microsoft Is Reportedly Removing Security Seals From Physical XBOX Games

Microsoft appears to be removing security sticker seals from some new physical XBOX game releases, leaving buyers with one less way to identify unopened copies.

According to North American retailer Video Games Plus (VGP), the missing seals are part of a new packaging initiative rather than a security issue. The games still come wrapped in cellophane, but no longer carry the traditional security stickers.

Microsoft has not officially explained the change or confirmed whether it plans to remove security seals from all physical XBOX releases.

Several physical XBOX releases are reportedly affected

VGP identified several upcoming and recent games that reportedly ship without security sticker seals, including:

• Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival
• Planet Zoo 2
• Dragon’s Dogma II: Dark Arisen
• Valor Mortis
• Onimusha: Way of the Sword
• Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

However, some copies of Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse have reportedly arrived with their seals intact, suggesting that the change may vary between releases or packaging batches.

For buyers, this means a missing security sticker does not necessarily indicate that someone has opened or tampered with a game. The outer cellophane wrapping remains in place.

Physical XBOX games remain in the spotlight

The reported packaging change comes as Microsoft continues to explore the future of physical games.

The company has recently asked players whether they still want physical disc support on Project Helix, while its disc-to-digital feature has become available to all players.

Meanwhile, a recent job listing for a Physical Games Strategist has raised questions about Microsoft’s plans for physical games on its next-generation XBOX console.

For now, Microsoft has not confirmed whether removing security stickers represents a permanent packaging policy or a limited change affecting certain releases.

Via Pure Xbox