Xbox One: Microsoft Confirms Our Fears

Microsoft has confirmed what we feared about Xbox One.

Used games will be restricted, and the Xbox One will require an internet connection at least once every 24 hours. What’s that we hear, Microsoft? Oh yes, it’s thousands of gamers flocking over to Sony and Nintendo because the Xbox One is the most restrictive game console in history.

Unfortunately, it’s true. If you don’t connect the Xbox One to the internet at least once a day so Microsoft can keep tabs on the games you own, you will be locked out of your own games. Online, offline, it won’t matter because Microsoft isn’t taking away DRM. Microsoft will check everything.

Microsoft has stated:

“[While] a persistent connection is not required, Xbox One is designed to verify if system, application or game updates are needed and to see if you have acquired new games, or resold, traded in, or given your game to a friend. Games that are designed to take advantage of the cloud may require a connection. With Xbox One you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library. Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.”

Basically, if you’re not using your Xbox One to watch TV or Blu-Ray movies, you have to log in every day to even play your games offline. And honestly, if you’re not connected to something, how do you watch TV on a game console?

As for the used games, Microsoft explains:

“We designed Xbox One so game publishers can enable you to trade in your games at participating retailers. Microsoft does not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers, or consumers for enabling transfer of these games. Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.”

Basically, Microsoft didn’t listen to us at all. They just changed the rules a little and then confirmed that used games will be restricted and you will need an internet connection to play anything from one day to the next.

Do you think Microsoft is doomed to go down with the ship? Would you still buy an Xbox One after knowing what they have confirmed?