The fans have spoken once again and Microsoft have bowed to their demands! After the constant thrashing that it has been receiving from gamers and harsh criticisms from media outlets Microsoft has rescinded it’s game sharing policy and the necessity of the XBOX One to be connected to the internet constantly. In a statement made on it’s official blog;
- 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.
While it’s a win for the gaming community I think the biggest thing that made Microsoft change it’s mind was probably the hit it’s stock took immediately after their presser and probably the days thereafter. The reports too of many gamers cancelling their pre-orders for the XBOX One probably made them realise they need to make changes immediately (Sony’s trolling didn’t help either). That is the lesson to be taken from this, the consumer speaks the loudest with their wallets. When you threaten a company by not giving them your money then they will listen to what you have to say. GG internet!