[quote][b]Sources indicate Microsoft is going to move away from what's caused the company so much headache.[/b]
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?
[b]• 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
• 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[/b]
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:
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kWSIFh8ICaA]Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video[/url]
Of course, Xbox One is still $499 and PlayStation 4 is still $399. But today moves the needle.[/quote]
Thoughts?
Do you think they'll change their policies?
EDIT
Giant Bomb's website crashed but Penny arcade wrote an [url=http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/inside-sources-state-that-microsoft-may-pull-a-180-on-drm-requirements]article[/url] about it too.
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this sounds way too good to be true... im just gonna sit back and await actual confirmation before i get my hopes up too high.
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They've stated it will impact some of their planned features. I'll be mad if the family system will be gone.
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Edited by nao: 6/20/2013 2:05:28 PMI'm sure all the people saying used games are bad and hurt the industry won't be buying an Xbox one now right? lol
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From the Xbox Wire page itself: [quote]Last week at E3, the excitement, creativity and future of our industry was on display for a global audience. For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future. Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One. 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. 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. These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. 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. 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. Thank you again for your candid feedback. Our team remains committed to listening, taking feedback and delivering a great product for you later this year.[/quote]
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Ahahahahahahahohohohohoho! Looks like the console war is back on. MS may not be out of the race now.
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Does this mean that they have to abandon the Family sharing plan?
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[quote]All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360.[/quote] So that would mean I can lend games to friends just as I did with the 360? So there are no restrictions or anything?
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id still get a ps4 unless i find out all of my friends are getting xbox ones.... the ps4 costs less, and if i buy the xbox one ill be wasting an extra 100 dollars on something i dont even want(the kinect)
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That's a rumor. That doesn't sound true at ALL. Thy would have to completely redo there whole business model and with only a few months until launch it seem highly unlikely they would change anything.
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Edited by Xzen: 6/19/2013 8:33:47 PMBetter name. Xbox 180. I hope it's true. I might get and Xbox One if they do.