Microsoft drops Xbox One DRM and Internet restrictions

No matter how hard they tried to explain their intentions, Microsoft just couldn't seem to convince gamers that despite the Xbox One’s restrictions, the benefits would outweigh the costs. So, in what will surely be considered as one of the greatest turnabouts in video game history, Microsoft has officially announced that they are reversing their DRM and Internet connection policies for the Xbox One. In short, the new Xbox One will be just like your Xbox 360.

“You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.”

Microsoft’s Don Mattrick made this statement in a press release posted June 19th, explaining that Microsoft has been listening to the feedback of gamers and fans and their concerns over policies many have deemed to be unfriendly to consumers. Some may speculate other possible reasons for the change of heart, such as this merely being  a response to Sony’s announcement at the close of their E3 press conference last week or due to poor reservation numbers, but no one is confirming anything. Regardless, Microsoft is determined to win back gamers.

“So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

• 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.

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.” 

Mattrick further explains that with these changes, other key features will be changed or omitted such as the re-introduction of a physical disc-check or not being able to share digital titles. Other changes were later revealed to gaming news site Kotaku, such as the removal of an “ever-following” game library and a required one-time connection during set-up of your new system.

Regardless, gamers world-wide are undoubtedly raising their controllers victoriously in light of this news. Convincing a massive company such as Microsoft to change policies they tried so hard to defend is no small task.  But with this change, already there are those expressing disappointment in Microsoft’s sudden one-eighty. Gadget-loving site Gizmodo has already responded with a full write-up on how Microsoft’s policy change is a huge mistake, citing the loss of the aforementioned new features as well as the potential loss of several long-term benefits such as cheaper games being the biggest cause for disappointment, with many of the articles commentators siding with the author.

It just goes to show you that you can’t please everyone.

(Originally posted on Examiner.com)