None of this has been confirmed by Microsoft yet but Giantbomb.com is reporting that there are big changes to the XBOX One’s game policies, essentially killing all DRM that was going to be imprinted to the console. Those changes are rumored as follows:
- No more always online requirement
- The console no longer has to check in every 24 hours
- All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360
- An Internet connection is only required when initially setting up the console
- All downloaded games will function the same when online or offline
- No additional restrictions on trading games or loaning discs
- Region locks have been dropped
Is this true? One can only hope so after the shit storm that has been brewing over the last month or so (highlighted by us last week). If this does take effect though it changes the landscape of the next-gen war. It does make you wonder if decisions like this are made because the customers are demanding it or MS is concerned that Sony will win. We’ll keep you posted as things develop.
***UPDATE***
And just like that, it’s now been confirmed. Microsoft has posted a long article on their site confirming that the rumors are true. Here’s the main bullet points:
- 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.
Read the full release to hear how MS has realized that they were going to be destroyed in the court of public opinion.
Its 100% the voice of the consumer. Currently the PS4 doubles the amount of preorders over the xb1.(google it) So its no surprise that they decided to pull the DRM, and their heads out of their asses. The only thing Im worried about is how long will they keep it down…..
True, this does make me consider the Xbox more however the $100 extra for it is a bit of a downside since I do not care for the Kinect and the PS4 seems like it has better hardware
Whats really funny is that almost all the games they talked about at E3 require/use the “cloud” so even if the XB1 isn’t requiring a connection any longer you still wont be able to play any games without it hahaha.
That is true but that is how it should be, developers should be the ones choosing to have DRM or not. The console should never require it