Xbox reverses features for new console

[Hump66]

They actually listened to the people.

http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugge...ternet-used-game-policies-xbox-211818635.html

Always-on? Not so fast.
In a stunning turnaround, Microsoft on Wednesday announced plans to change some of the controversial features and policies built into their upcoming Xbox One game console.
The news was first reported by Giant Bomb and later confirmed by Xbox head Don Mattrick, who posted a statement on the Xbox One website detailing changes coming to the two biggest thorns in the company’s side: required internet access for the system to work and their somewhat draconian approach to used game sales.
"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," he wrote. "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."

And you'll be able to do exactly that. From the site:
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.
Boom.
To call the change in policy ‘surprising’ is an understatement. The Xbox One wasn’t just dreamed up yesterday -- this is a system the company has been working on for years. A company of Microsoft’s size isn’t often nimble enough to reverse course when things go south. Typically, that sort of response takes months. And to do so a week after a conference as big as E3? That’s shocking.
On the other hand, it couldn’t have been going worse for Microsoft. Gamers have been livid with Microsoft over what they believe to be unnecessary, anti-consumer tactics built into the Xbox One -- and Mattrick’s response to this outcry hasn't been particularly smooth, to put it mildly.
Sony, meanwhile, undercut the Xbox One’s price by $100 and took Microsoft to task over the policies, detailing for gamers how the PlayStation 4 wouldn’t require an internet connection and how used games could be sold freely. We all knew Microsoft was listening, but no one believed they’d actually follow through.
While this is undoubtedly great news for gamers, it’s doubly great news for GameStop. The video game retail giant’s stock jumped 6% in after-hours trading, which makes sense since GameStop derives a significant portion of its earnings through used game sales. Investors are clearly happy with the news.
The question, however, is whether gamers will be as quick to forgive.

 

[Commander Keen]

I'm certainly happy with this, even those things really wouldn't have affected me.

 

[Glock]

I guess Gates realized the PS4 was going to destroy them this Xmas season. Glad they'll keep the status quo the current platform has.

 

[Goathead]

Good I was going to the ps4 only but now I can have both again

 

[NightShade]

Not a console guy, bought a PS3 and it play more netflix movies than games.

Microsoft didn't get a buyer out of me since the 360 didn't play bluray movies and to use things like netflix you have to not only pay for netflix but also an xbox live subscription. . . I would figure the same thing with the next rendition from microsoft.

 

[SDarkRage]

They had lost me over the stupidity. Now I'll look at getting it whenever halo comes out next year. But if they go back to the idiot way of thinking then I'm out. I'm pretty certain the PS4 is gonna spank its butt come sales time anyway after all this.

 

[Quick_Draw_McGraw]

I was only planning on buying one system, and Microsoft made it easy for me. Even though they changed their mind I had nearly two weeks to sell myself on the PS 4, so their reversal doesn't change my decision.

 

[SlammerG_89]

I was only planning on buying one system, and Microsoft made it easy for me. Even though they changed their mind I had nearly two weeks to sell myself on the PS 4, so their reversal doesn't change my decision.

Same here.

 

[Glocktogo]

I can't believe they ever though that was gonna fly in the 1st place!

 

[gfercaks33]

I was thinking about swapping to ps4 but with that I think ill stay loyal to the Xbox. I don't think I would like loosing all of my achievements haha