Microsoft has officially shifted their features and restrictions for the Xbox One. While originally revealed as a machine that would restrict users from playing games without performing a mandatory online check-in every 24 hours and limiting the sharing of used games among friends or trading them into retailers, the console has seen a radical shift in these restrictions.
Today, Microsoft has officially confirmed that they will be backtracking on the controversial features they had previously announced for the Xbox One. The frequently asked questions section on Xbox.com has been updated to tell visitors that some of the information contained on the page are no longer accurate. “As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies.”
You can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again.
According to a post by Microsoft’s Don Mattrick, it’s a complete 180 for the company.
“An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games,” Mattrick writes. “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.”
Futhermore, Mattrick explains that even if buying games digitally, they’ll be able to be played offline just like on the Xbox 360, with no regional restrictions. “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.”
As for the disc sharing scenarios that were previously announced, the Xbox One will not restrict sharing. “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.”
So why the quick turnabout for Microsoft? Mattrick says it was directly related to the amount of feedback given from the Xbox Community.
“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.”
