Xbox One: Microsoft backtracked on restrictions - The Point

The Point.fr – Published on 20/06/2013 at 12:42 pm

Mandatory internet connection, the loan and the resale of restricted games … Microsoft has listened to its player base, angry, and supersedes all.

A week after E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) show catastrophic in terms of image, Microsoft flip-flopped on restrictions on the Xbox One more mandatory internet connection play more limitation on the loan or resale of games, and more restrictions on use by geographic area. The Redmond, who seemed to have lost the battle of the next-gen (the next generation of console) against Sony backtracked so spectacular.

It is on his website, by the chairman of Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Don Mattrick, the company reversed its policy of DRM (digital rights management, Ed.) “Although we believe that the majority of people to play online games and will access the Cloud for both gaming and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of content in both physical and digital. We listened and heard clearly your returns: you want the best of both worlds, “he says on the Microsoft blog

.

The company promises that once the first console installation performed (an internet connection is still required to do this), Xbox One no longer require access to the Internet to play. Complete the online verification every 24 hours, the games will be like for the Xbox 360, fully accessible offline, allowing players to take and sell their Xbox One games. However, the abandonment of the authentication system has implications for digital games purchased on Xbox LIVE: resale of downloaded games on the Xbox One no longer exist

.

A historic turnaround

Never a manufacturer will decline as Microsoft has just done. More than a sign of weakness, the abandonment of the policy of DRM became a real necessity. For the past week, the popularity of the Xbox One was low. Disgrace amplified by PlayStation, who had chosen to focus its communication at E3 in total against foot-Microsoft. For many players around the world, PS4 became, almost by default, the winner of the next generation, even before its launch. Even in the United States, where Microsoft dominates unchallenged the console market, the Xbox One restrictions were cringe. American society has decided to listen to his players.

After weeks of communication calamitous, exacerbated by conflicting or arrogant statements of its leaders, Microsoft chose to appease the spirits. The players are no doubt relieved, and for many, Xbox One becomes desirable. And Microsoft, for the last few days and the expected duel against the Sony PS4 at Christmas, that’s a lot.