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GB/WH Rumor: Microsoft dropping basically all Xbox One DRM, announcement today

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Microsoft is set to announce it will remove DRM restrictions on Xbox One games and the need for you to have the new Xbox "always online".

Sources tell us that Microsoft is set to announce the changes later today, with games developers being informed first.

It seems Microsoft has listened and is set to change its mind on both DRM on Xbox One games and the always online requirement.

http://www.whathifi.com/news/microsoft-to-back-track-on-xbox-one-games-drm-and-always-online

Now giantbomb reporting as well.

No more always online requirement
The console no longer has to check in every 24 hours
All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360
Authentication is no longer necessary
An Internet connection is only required when initially setting up the console
All downloaded games will function the same when online or offline
No additional restrictions on trading games or loaning discs
Region locks have been dropped

http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/microsoft-to-pull-complete-reversal-on-xbox-one-dr/1100-4673/

Update: Confirmed.

news.xbox.com/2013/05/qa

They confirmed policy change but they haven't put up the new changes yet.

Official Microsoft announcement.

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.
 

Social

Member
If this turns out to be true, I will start believing that people can really still change history if they let their voices be heard.
 
It would be the biggest u-turn the industry has ever seen, if true.

I would respect Microsoft for doing it. It would be humiliating, they'd be seen as a follower and not as an industry leader, but its the only thing I can see them doing that would allow them to escape the black hole of negative PR they are currently trapped in.
 

8bits

Banned
Haven't they stated multiple times they weren't going to back down? Didn't Major Nelson just say they were sticking with the DRM?
 

Jomjom

Banned
I believe it. I honestly can't see a future where the Xbone releases with all of the current anti-consumer policies.
 
Yeah that's the one. 12pm in Redmond and the decision comes later today. Especially when MS execs had interviews conducted today confirming said restrictions.

What a BS rumour.
 

Dusk Golem

A 21st Century Rockefeller
Good if true but honestly I've already decided I'll get the Xbox One down the line due to all of this and them sticking their heads up their asses about it all up to now.
 

Wynnebeck

Banned
Even if they got rid of it, the damage has already been done. Plus add its focus on television and higher price tag and MS set themselves up for failure from the beginning.
 

slider

Member
It'd be great if they did. I mean surely they can't be immune to the groundswell of opinion.

But whathifi? How about some details on the sourcing!
 
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