Xbox 180: Microsoft U-turn on controversial Xbox One DRM, used games and always-online internet policies

Gerald Lynch Features, Gaming, Tech Digest news
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xbox-one-top.jpgIn a startling turn of events for the forthcoming Xbox One console, Microsoft have just announced that they will be significantly changing their stance on used games, DRM, game sharing and internet requirements for their next-gen gaming console.

An almost total about-turn on the console’s controversial position that would potentially block used games sales and require a rolling 24-hour internet check in order to access games, it seems Microsoft have bowed down in the face of overwhelming criticism from the gaming community.

What follows is tonight’s complete statement from Microsoft’s Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business, regarding the new changes:

“Last week at E3, the excitement, creativity and future of our industry was on display for a global audience.

“For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future.

“Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One.

“You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.

“So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

“An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.

“Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.

“In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console — there will be no regional restrictions.

“These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.

“We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity. While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.

“Thank you again for your candid feedback. Our team remains committed to listening, taking feedback and delivering a great product for you later this year.”

An incredible, unprecedented U-turn, I’m sure you’ll agree. Has this changed your opinion of the Xbox One, nay, Microsoft? Will you now reconsider your next-gen console purchase, or have you already been burned by Microsoft? Let us know in the comments below!

Exciting stuff, expect plenty more on the Xbox One’s new stance in the coming days. It’ll be really interesting to see how Sony now respond to this; they seemed the clear leaders in the next-gen race before tonight, with their policies towards internet requirements and used games now mirrored in their entirety by the Xbox One. Gloves are off, fanboys and fangirls!

Gerald Lynch
For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

25 comments

  • Its a start, Drop the compulsary Kinect and the price respectively and we’l talk.

  • After a firm well deserved Spanking — Microsoft has learned it’s lesson and decided to behave itself.

  • Its a start, Drop the compulsary Kinect and the price respectively and we'l talk.

  • XBOX 360 SOLD MORE CONSOLES AND SO WILL THE XBOX ONE .PLAYSTATION DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY NOW LMAO I CANT WAIT FOR GEARS ON XBOX ONE

  • RIP PLAYSTATION 4 XBOX IS HERE TO STAY..EVERYONE WHO THINKS OTHER WISE GO TO SHITTY PS4 AND WHEN THERE’S NO GAMES DONT RUN BACK XBOX HAS ALL THE EXCLUSIVE TITLES

  • Now I can place my order for the Xbox one. After the E3 announcements, I had decided to leave Xbox for good. I’m happy MS had a change of heart, so I’m sticking with the Xbox!

  • After a firm well deserved Spanking — Microsoft has learned it's lesson and decided to behave itself.

  • Are we supposed to be pleased m$ reversed these fucking plans! I’m still pissed they thought they could pull this shit to begin with… I’m an xboxer prob gonna go ps4 now! M$ you showed yr true colours!!

  • I am a loyal Xbox online gamer. But this is a cop out! Playstation had us beat last time and again with the ps4. Xbox tried to steal our money and leave. That’s the last straw!
    What’s next…. Free online gaming??
    You should be leading instead of striving to be like playstation!

    RIP Xbox.

      • Learn how to read multiple sentences. That explains why your still going to buy an Xbox. Read between the lines and keep an eye on your wallet (Velcro) your about to get robbed.

  • GO RUN TO PS4 CRY BABIES DO NOT RUN BACK WHEN U GET HACKED LMAO AND GO PLAY LITTLE SHITTY BIG PLANET ILL BE PLAYING FORZA MOTORSPORT WHILE U SUCK UR DADS COCK XBOX IS THE WORLDS BEST AMERICAN MADE LIKE THE HARLEY I DRIVE FUCK ALL U JAPAN FANS AMERICA FUCK YEA

  • fuck that im leaving shitty playstation xbox live is amazing,and now playstation is charging i rather pay for live shitty updates on ps3 it will continue

  • XBOX 360 SOLD MORE CONSOLES AND SO WILL THE XBOX ONE .PLAYSTATION DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY NOW LMAO I CANT WAIT FOR GEARS ON XBOX ONE

  • RIP PLAYSTATION 4 XBOX IS HERE TO STAY..EVERYONE WHO THINKS OTHER WISE GO TO SHITTY PS4 AND WHEN THERE'S NO GAMES DONT RUN BACK XBOX HAS ALL THE EXCLUSIVE TITLES

  • Now I can place my order for the Xbox one. After the E3 announcements, I had decided to leave Xbox for good. I'm happy MS had a change of heart, so I'm sticking with the Xbox!

  • Are we supposed to be pleased m$ reversed these fucking plans! I'm still pissed they thought they could pull this shit to begin with… I'm an xboxer prob gonna go ps4 now! M$ you showed yr true colours!!

    • You're a fuckwit.Microsoft just gave you gamers what you wanted and you begin to act like a tool.What has this world come to?

  • I am a loyal Xbox online gamer. But this is a cop out! Playstation had us beat last time and again with the ps4. Xbox tried to steal our money and leave. That's the last straw! What's next…. Free online gaming??You should be leading instead of striving to be like playstation!

    RIP Xbox.

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