Microsoft backtracks on Xbox One polices: no online connection required, full support of used games

The biggest backtrack in gaming history: Microsoft has just announced a full change in their highly controvesial DRM policy. Their policy required users to connect to the internet every 24 hours. Now, Microsoft has confirmed that they are removing this feature, and allowing Xbox One to not require an internet connection. Only connection is required at the setup stage.

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.

They’ve also backtracked on their used games polices: now they’re keeping their polices just as how it with the 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.

Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.

These changes come after a week of Microsoft executives fully defended all these polices in multiple interviews and press conferences at E3 last week.

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.

Sony won over many fans after saying that they’re not restricting or requiring anything. Sony has shown full support for used games, and stated no internet connection is required for PS4.

SOURCE: Xbox News Wire