The Xbox One online check-in requirement and used-game policy are officially things of the past, according to a letter just released by Don Mattrick, President of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. In the letter, Mattrick said an internet connection will no longer be required to play Xbox One games offline, and there is no longer a 24-hour connection requirement for the Xbox One. In addition, disc-based Xbox One games can now be traded, rented, resold and gifted exactly as gamers have grown accustomed to.
In other words, go pre-order your Xbox One Day One console now from Amazon, because they’re going to sell out fast.
Mattrick’s letter, published as an open note to all would-be Xbox One owners, is titled “Your Feedback Matters” and outlines how Microsoft was aiming high and looking toward the future with its Xbox One policies, but understands based on consumer feedback that those policies were a bit too aggressive. In essence, Microsoft admitted its mistake and has reversed course less than one week after E3 2013 closed its doors.
These changes to the Xbox One DRM policies, always-online requirement and used-game policies will have animpact on previously released information, although Mattrick’s letter did not specify exactly what that impact may be. The most important parts of his letter were the following:
“[T]oday 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.
Mattrick ended his Xbox One letter by saying “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.” Let no one ever say Microsoft doesn’t listen to its consumers, particularly when it concerns such items as Xbox One policies. And truly, if you haven’t put in your Xbox One pre-order yet, do it now. They’re going to go fast.
