The Xbox One Will Be Ditching Its DRM [Update: It’s Official]

UPDATE: Microsoft just updated its blog to share the new Xbox One policy going forward. Here it is: An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time syst...
The Xbox One Will Be Ditching Its DRM [Update: It’s Official]
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  • UPDATE: Microsoft just updated its blog to share the new Xbox One policy going forward. Here it is:

  • 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.
  • As such, the sharing of downloadable titles that was originally planned will no longer be applicable. Instead, Microsoft says that you’ll be able to share your disc-based games all you want.

    Original story below:

    Well, this is interesting

    At last week’s E3, Sony thoroughly trounced Microsoft by announcing that the PS4 would not restrict the sale of used games in any way, and that it wouldn’t require a check-in every 24 hours. It was in stark contrast to Microsoft’s policies which were announced before the show.

    Now, rumors are suggesting that Microsoft will be dialing back its DRM plans for the Xbox One after a week of nothing but pure vitriol being directed at the Xbox One. Giant Bomb’s Patrick Klepek has on good authority that Microsoft will announce the following changes to the Xbox One’s DRM policies today:

  • 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
  • Authentication is no longer necessary
  • 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
  • If this is true, then holy sh*t, this would be the biggest about face ever seen in the gaming industry. For the past few weeks, Microsoft has defended its DRM policies through a series of increasingly asinine statements that showed it was not only out of touch with consumers, but that it was actively, though perhaps not intentionally, stomping all over every consumer right.

    We’ve reached out to Microsoft for comment on this story. We’ll update if and when we hear back. Just be prepared for the Internet to explode if this turns out to be true.

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