Xbox is removing DRM...link

Likely, but unconfirmed. Expected announcement today.

Not a huge shock. Huge backtrack though. Eliminating DRM - at least they finally have their used game policy set, so that should please a lot of people.

Now offer a kinect free version and were talking

I would call it a shock. As much effort as they went into defending all that and arguing its "value" while scoffing at the public's reaction to it? This is a HUGE backtrack for them.

It's not a shock to me because of the pre-sale orders. That was a pretty good gauge as to what MS was going to do. If the sales were close with PS, likely everything would have stayed as it was. Obviously it wasn't, so they had to do something - which was to "undo" the couple of major things that was keeping people from buying the console.

And yes, I agree it was a huge backtrack - but they under estimated how much people like used games & like selling their games.

Sorry, the traffic was/is heavy on that site so the page wasn't loading. Someone on Reddit did a screen grab so I posted it. Here's the actual article.


http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/mi...-dr/1100-4673/


Microsoft to Pull Complete Reversal on Xbox One DRM Policies

by Patrick Klepek on <time datetime="2013-06-19" pubdate="pubdate" itemprop="datePublished">June 19, 2013</time>

Sources indicate Microsoft is going to move away from what's caused the company so much headache.

UPDATED: Microsoft has confirmed these policy changes are happening.

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?

• 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

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.

Of course, Xbox One is still $499 and PlayStation 4 is still $399. But today moves the needle.

It's an Xbox 180!


LMAO

their attitude towards the customers was awful though. They did a lot of damage to themselves over this. Sure customers will start buying their console as soon as this is confirmed from MS but I still think more people will go the PS4 route now.

It's been confirmed by MS.


http://news.xbox.com/2013/06/update

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

I'm still on the PS4 side at this point. Really, this is partially why I haven't jumped on a console yet because by the time they both come out I'm sure things will of changed.

MS has now gotten rid of the one thing that bug me, which was the every 24 hour check - but it almost sounds like they've gotten rid of the "family sharing" which was a huge selling point for me. I don't know that it's gone for certain, but something in one of the above articles made it sound like it was gone.

Realistically is there any way they sell a kinect free version this year?

LMAO

I still wont get it because they still require subs to stream.

They probably didn't get many retailers calling about purchasing their systems.

I didn't like the family sharing plan because of the one at a time restriction. I wouldn't want to mess with telling one of my friends to get the hell off my game so i can play it. It is a cool concept and a good selling point but I just see it being a hassle on popular games.

Yep.

Kinect required.
Live required for streaming already paid services.


One thing they didn't mention in that article though is whether you can still install games to the HDD so the drive doesn't have to spin constantly during games.