After a huge public outcry, Microsoft has decided it will not implement restrictions for used games on its new XBox console.
Last week at E3, Microsoft had said it would put restrictions in place to limit the sale of used games for Xbox One. Later that same day, Sony received enthusiastic applause at its press conference when, in previewing its competing PlayStation 4, it said it would instead allow players to lend, trade or resell used disc-based games as they choose.
Microsoft also said at E3 that it would require games on its system to “check in” over the Internet once every 24 hours to ensure the console is authorized to play a given game. Sony again received applause when it instead said this was unnecessary with PlayStation4.
On Wednesday, Microsoft reversed last week’s announcement. According to the Xbox web site, gamers may “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.
The company also said, “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.”
What is it with these companies whether they be the game manufacturers or the console manufacturers that make them think it’s okay to try and control what a consumer does with a product they legally purchased. Glad they reversed their decision but geez it’s getting ridiculous out there.
What’s to stop MS from changing their minds again or saying the “misspoke” or even going so far as to say “not intended as a factual statement”? Since neither PS or X was going to support backwards compatibility this would be the perfect time for people to switch from one to the other. I was considering it since Xbone would work better with my Windows PC in terms of playing media files. Then the initial hoopla came out about how X was treating its customers like criminals and controlling our property. It’s going to take A LOT to get me to consider buying one now. I may just go with something else that would allow me to play videos I downloaded to my computer on my TV.
I’m not a gamer, and really haven’t been since I boxed up my 2600 and the $1000’s worth of games I mowed many a yard to buy. Is it really worth spending that kind of money on a console and the games only to be told you can’t do what you want to with them after you buy them?
They made it sound like you still have to connect to the internet at least once when they said “one-time system set-up”.
Why? That’s the only question I’m wondering.
Why do you NEED to connect that one time. I understand you need to connect to set up an account and what not, but if you use that account you need to be connected multiple times. They’re making it sound like you actually need your console verified!
My only question is, why? What do they have planned?