Sources indicate Microsoft is going to move away much of what's caused the company so much headache.
The tug-of-war between Microsoft and Sony just got more interesting. Multiple sources inform me Microsoft will announce what amounts to a complete reversal on its DRM policies for Xbox One today.
What does this mean?
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
Authentication is no longer necessary
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
It is unclear what caused this huge change in policy right after E3, a week where Microsoft executives spent days explaining, justifying, and talking about its policies to the press. I suspect Microsoft’s official announcement will say something to the effect of “we've been closely listening to consumer feedback.”
Based on what I’m being told, that’s definitely true.
I've reached out to Microsoft for comment.
Microsoft has taken an enormous amount of heat regarding DRM policies with its new console. Sony became consumer heroes at E3, announcing PlayStation 4 would not treat used games differently, and the status quo would reign. The company released this video, twisting the knife:
Of course, Xbox One is still $499 and PlayStation 4 is still $399. But today moves the needle.
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
Authentication is no longer necessary
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
Not Sony forcing them to change EVERYTHING about XBone.
I hope this is true, it would be a great win for consumers and a great slap in the face for the industry big wigs who thought this nonsense would be a good idea in the first place. That being said, I probably still won't get an Xbox One, at least not at launch.
I would be surprised if this is true tbh. If they were gonna make the change, it woulda happened before E3 so they could've got that good press.
I mean they were deluded enough to think it would work for them at E3, i am sure they r still deluded enough to power on like they'll win
I think so too. Microsoft was already getting TONS of flack for this stuff before they confirmed most of it at E3. They would've saved so much face at E3 but shooting down the DRM etc. rumors. They knew full well at E3 that those features were unpopular.
Writer also said he cannot be sure about the authenticity. I guess we'll see.
