Back in the game!

Following on from our previous story, Microsoft have confirmed via press release that they will be removing DRM, internet requirements, and region checking from the Xbox One.

The release, from Don Mattrick, states that the company has listened to user feedback, and has taken the following decisions:-

1) After a one-time system setup process with the new Xbox One, you can PLAY ANY DISC-BASED GAME WITHOUT EVER CONNECTING AGAIN. There's no 24-hour check in. Once that setup process is done, you can unplug the LAN cable or disconnect it from your wi-fi, and you're away.

2) You can TRADE-IN, RESELL, GIFT, AND RENT disc-based games in exactly the same way that you can today, with no requirement to remove or "untie" titles from your account. You can also download all titles from Xbox Live on the day of release. These downloaded games DO NOT require an internet connection (once downloaded, of course!) to play. To reiterate as clearly as we can, there will be NO LIMITATIONS ON USED GAMES.

3) There will be NO REGION RESTRICTIONS on the Xbox One. Any game from any region will play on any console.

But there are some caveats to this "Xbox 180", which may not please some.

The Family Policy that allowed up to ten people in your "family" to share games has been given the boot. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. If you want to lend someone a game, you give them the disc. This will be a big kick in the teeth given that it was a good idea - although not a financially sound one for the company, you'd imagine - but hey, you can't have everything.

Also, if you're playing a game that you've installed from disc, the disc has to be in the tray. Just in case you were wondering.

So, how do you like 'em now? Some innovation lost, but undoubtedly lots of people made happier. We'll take that.

[source news.xbox.com]