Microsoft changes course on used game, online policies

Yep. After Sony thundered to a big E3 win, Microsoft is responding by removing requirements to be connected to the internet and used game restrictions. Here’s the full release from Don Mattrick:

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.

Does this change your mind about the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One? Or the Wii U for that matter?

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

 

E3 2013: Sony vs. Microsoft

Well, this is certainly interesting. Microsoft and Sony sought to steal the spotlight during E3 2013. Microsoft went first. After the debacle that was the Xbox One, Microsoft unveiled game after game. Titles included a new “Halo” game, “Metal Gear Solid V”, “Forza MotorSport 5”, “Titanfall” and “Killer Instinct”. Ir was an impressive array of games. Then the price was announced. $499. $499? That seems way too high. Microsoft wants the Xbox One to be an all-in-one entertainment box, but I can guarantee you that people like me, who aren’t hardcore gamers, are very hesitant to drop that kind of money for a new product like this.

Then, Sony was up. If all Sony did was reveal that you could buy, play and share used games the same way you always could, it would be a success. But Sony did that and more. It went after the jugular. The PlayStation 4 supports used games, doesn’t require an online connection to play games and will sell for $399. A full $100 cheaper. For customers like me, that makes a world of difference.

The news pleased fans so much, it’s easy to forget that there weren’t really any new killer games shown. But none of that mattered for Sony. It was mission accomplished. And for Microsoft, heck even Nintendo, I’d be squirming in my seat.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Get ready for the Xbox One

Well, here we go. Microsoft announced Xbox One. The console has instant switching which allows you to instantly switch between games, movies, music, web and now both Skype and live TV.
EA’s Madden NFL, FIFA, NBA LIVE and UFC are all coming to the Xbox One this year. Microsoft Studios announced that Forza Motorsport 5 is coming and that the company will release 15 new games in the first year of launch of which 8 are new franchises. Remedy revealed footage from a new game titled Quantum Break.

Also revealed is a live action Halo TV series from 343 Industries and Steven Spielberg. What do you think? Are you excited?

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.