In a huge turn of events today, Microsoft has announced a complete reversal of its online and used games policies with the Xbox One. The seemingly draconian restrictions are now gone in favor of a more consumer-friendly approach.
Shortly after Giant Bomb broke the story, Microsoft President of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick took to the company’s website to make the official announcement. According to Mattrick, Microsoft has “read your comments and listened to your feedback.”
This means an internet connection is not required following the initial set-up of the system. The Xbox One will not check for an internet connection every 24 hours, and owners will be able to play their Xbox One games offline at any time.
The company also tackled the used games issue – no restrictions will be imposed on disc-based games. So if friends want to lend each other their Xbox One games, that’s absolutely fine. As the statement reads, “it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.”
Owners will also be able to download games from Xbox LIVE on the day of release and then play them offline at their leisure. In addition, the Xbox One will no longer be region-locked.
Obviously the videogame community was outraged with Microsoft following this year’s E3, but the sudden shift in policies still comes off as surprising. Clearly the company felt a need to respond to Sony’s strong showing last week. Time will tell whether the move pays off for Microsoft.
[Xbox]
