Microsoft breathe new life into the next-gen console war by rescinding their initial DRM policy for the Xbox One and their proposed online check-ins. The announcement was made via Microsoft's XBox page and will definitely be music to the ears of many Microsoft and Xbox fanboys. The statement read
"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"
Microsoft are also clearly looking to one-up Sony in the next-gen console battle by removing regional restrictions on titles. Sony seemed to be ahead after E3 with pre-orders for the PS4 soaring above the XBox One's but Microsoft might just have about done enough to tip the scales back in their favour with this announcement
You can read the full statement here
