And all is right with the world.
Microsoft’s Don Mattrick has confirmed (via Xbox.com) that the next-generation console’s game registration scheme, used game restrictions, and online check-in requirements are dead. Game discs can be borrowed, rented, or sold between friends or businesses, just as they are today. The system will still require an Internet connection during the initial setup period (which includes a day one patch to enable the offline mode), but the “once-a-day check-in” is no more.
This reversal comes after gamers, the media, and the US government reacted in horror to many of the Xbox One’s online policies in the days leading up to the 2013 E3 Expo. Marc Whitten, the Vice President of Xbox Live, spoke to Kotaku an hour ago and elaborated on what some of these changes mean. With the game registration scheme gone, gamers will have to keep the disc in the Xbox One’s tray to play a game. Disc-based games will also no longer be added to your “cloud library,” but digitally downloaded games can still be downloaded to any Xbox One system that your Live account is logged-in on. This new DRM policy also means that the coolest Xbox One feature, family game sharing, is gone. Or rather, it won’t be available “at launch,” according to Whitten.
Mattrick’s full statement is available after the break. Oh, and it’s nice to be right.
Statement From Don Mattrick, President, Interactive Entertainment Business
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.
