Microsoft reverses course on Internet connection and used game policies of Xbox One

Microsoft has reversed its position on the always-on Internet connection and used game policies of the Xbox One in an updated post on its site today. A note at the top of the Xbox policy page notes that some details of the current Q&A page are inaccurate, and it has provided a new link to updated policies.

Here are the pertinent points from Xbox chief Don Mattrick:

• 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

Mattrick credits audience feedback from its presentations at E3 and the Microsoft campus for the major changes in policy.

The two hot button topics for the Xbox One since reveal have been the requirement for an internet check every 24 hours and restrictions on used or traded games.

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A couple of weeks ago, Microsoft posted a series of articles detailing exactly what was up with the policies surrounding these items. But their explanations fell flat with the public, especially in the wake of Sony’s PS4 reveal, when it became apparent that they would not be so restrictive when it came to connections and used titles.

Earlier today, gaming news site GiantBomb said that Microsoft had reconsidered and would no longer require a check-in via Internet connection every 24 hours. The report also said Microsoft was only requiring a connection when the console was first set up and that it would not require authentication. Used games will apparently function as they do on the 360 and there will be no restrictions on giving games to friends.

You can read the message from Microsoft here.