In what has to be a historic turn of events, Microsoft has begun backpedaling after backlash from their original DRM requirements for the Xbox One, especially after Sony announced the PS4, and their lack of, and full backwards compatibility (and cheaper price tag). The official statement from Microsoft outlines a very drastic change in their online and used game policies compared to what they originally announced when announcing their new system.
Your Feedback Matters – Update on Xbox One
- 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.
No question that the backlash Microsoft received after E3 was astronomically loud and angry, and after being compared to the PS4, they could see the eventual writing on the wall. They took a gamble with the original DRM policies, and lost, and have basically admitted that with this change.
Troy wrote an article after the PS4 was announced “PS4 just backhanded Microsoft and the Xbox One” and I think that was the basic opinion and reactions most people on the internet had, I know it was on Twitter immediately after the PS4 announcement. So now that Microsoft has stripped away their DRM policies that were going to hold back the Xbox One, its fair to assume that the next-gen console race is back on, even with the $100 price difference.
The only question now is, will Sony have any type of response to this? Possibly pointing out how Microsoft is scared of the PS4? Time will tell.
