Lately Microsoft has been receiving a lot of backlash from the gaming community because of what they announced about their new Xbox One console. Gamers didn’t like the fact that the system had to be online to play games, and the ability of the Xbox One to play used games. Instead gamers would exchange games through Microsoft’s own digital distribution network; essentially getting rid of the middleman and killing the brick and mortar game stores. Microsoft was going towards a new digital distribution structure and away from the traditional physical copy format.
The negativity towards the new Xbox One got even worse when Sony took jabs at Microsoft during this year’s E3. Jack Tretton head of Sony Computer Entertainment America explained “PS4 will not impose any new restrictions on your use of PS4 game discs,” and this drew a huge applause from the audience. Sony also released a video mocking Microsoft, and explaining how to share a game on their new PS4 system.
Today Microsoft is recanting their original policies towards Xbox One, and now explains that, “As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies for Xbox One reflected in this blog. Some of this information is no longer accurate.” According to the Microsoft Xbox website:
- 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.
Microsoft has also explained that because of the no longer online requirement for the Xbox One, that they will be dropping the family sharing policy. This family sharing policy would have essentially allowed up to ten family members to log in and play a game anywhere.
It appears that at least this time the consumer won, but will these new changes help persuade gamers to purchase the Xbox One? The Xbox One after all is still $100 more than the PS4 ($499 compared to $399). Only time will tell.
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