Home Gaming Microsoft has listened, canned Xbox One DRM

Microsoft has listened, canned Xbox One DRM

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backpedal

The biggest issues that most gamers seem to have with the Xbox One is that always online DRM nonsense. Because of that, gamer sentiment has have moved very much in Sony’s favour. Many were left wondering how long it would be before Microsoft finally listened to its customer and gave up on those very draconian, restrictive policies. That time is now.

We’ve just been informed by our own sources within Microsoft (and you’ll be seeing official confirmation from our buddy Don Mattrick shortly) that the Xbox One won’t feature any of the DRM you’re worried about. We’ve been told that retail copies of discs no longer need to be authenticated online, and will work pretty much as they do on the Xbox 360 right now. We’re embargoed for 23:00 (SAST), but chances are you’ve read this all over the internet by now. Because that’s how the internet works.  Here’s the gist of what we’ve heard from Microsoft. 

The console no longer has to authenticate online every 24 hours. – or at all. An Internet connection is only required when initially setting up the console. All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360. Online Authentication for game discs no longer necessary, and even downloaded games will function online or off, using the same system in place on the 360 right now.  Like with the Ps4, there will be no restrictions on trading games or loaning discs  and best of all for us in South Africa, no region locks – so importing consoles early is fine. 

That’s quite a turn-around. 

The only way this makes sense is by canning the game sharing thing as well as playing installed copies without a disc, which is a bit of a bummer – but that all makes the console significantly more appealing, and frankly I’m stunned that Microsoft really seems to have listened. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the price will be changing, or we in South Africa will be getting the console sooner, but it’s still great news. too little too late – or the best damned news you’ve heard all day? I tell you one thing – it certainly makes this sill console “war” a little less one-sided. 

We’ll be getting more clarification from Microsoft in the morning. Or perhaps earlier, at this link 

Last Updated: June 19, 2013

145 Comments

  1. flmboy

    June 19, 2013 at 22:57

    I was wondering if Lazygamer would roll with the international news cycle 🙂 My problem however still remains. If MS wants me to get a XBox One instead of a PS4 they need to release it at the SAME FUCKING TIME.

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      June 19, 2013 at 23:02

      Yeah. Our MS guy says he’s really, really pushing for an earlier local release. Also, who needs sleep?

      Reply

      • CALeGrange

        June 19, 2013 at 23:21

        NOT ME! Cool of you staying up…i think they expect us to put them back in good graces, because have something else planned…i dont know what, but we’ll have to wait and see…charging extra for DLC? higher Xbox live account charges? or something not in the of the ’24hour connection’ or ‘used games’ realm.

        Reply

        • Marc O Polo

          June 23, 2013 at 09:47

          all they gonna do is when they launch the cloud services bring in a up0date that if you want to use them you gotta always be online…

          Reply

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 20, 2013 at 00:13

        Well done Geoff. On the ball! Still think some of the things they are taking away feels like they are showing us what and how WE messed up. Like almost spiteful in a sense.

        Reply

        • Gavin Mannion

          June 20, 2013 at 06:55

          Yeah I have to agree, they could have done it better but I still think this is fantastic news over all… maybe that offline switch was simply too big a change to the core system?

          Reply

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 06:58

            It would have been nice if they allowed the choice to share games still by then accepting to authenticate and have the sharing console online at the time of sharing or whatever, but as you said, the code behind all that probably would need to change too drastically to allow it and would cost too much.

            But I still believe this is the best move they could have made and the console war is really going to become big.

            It’s down to game availability and price now.

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 08:50

            Agreed. It is fantastic news. They are at least now back IN the game console wars. I think the loss of family play sucks though, as does the ability to download games you DO buy and play them anywhere. How does that change? I don’t get it.

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 09:09

            Because you no longer need to auth it’s tough to ensure the correct person is using it. I hope they work on a system where the features are brought back for those who choose to use it

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 09:11

            But surely if you download an entire game to your hd on a profile, it can see that? Meaning that when you play at another computer, with said profile, it knows?

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 09:13

            It’s probably got to do with the fact that the current systems they have in place were developed to require the connection checks and all. So instead of hack jobbing it to work without and potentially causing more headaches they are most likely going to redo it from the ground up.

    • Krypty

      June 20, 2013 at 08:06

      I still think it is too little too late for MS

      Reply

    • Airborne

      June 20, 2013 at 10:53

      I could have a heart attack and die, of NOT SURPRISED!

      Reply

  2. Tauriq Moosa

    June 19, 2013 at 22:59

    Incredible. I had no interest in Xbox One and I still don’t, but it’s encouraging to see that the noises we’re making has an impact. It’s about bloody time the tide changes so that creators make games for us, not for goddamn corporations.

    Reply

  3. DrKiller

    June 19, 2013 at 23:00

    Microsoft just stole my heart…

    Reply

  4. ElimiNathan

    June 19, 2013 at 23:12

    Ye this is pretty awesome but I’m still going for the PS4 hey 🙂

    Reply

  5. Zoe

    June 19, 2013 at 23:12

    Now if they’d just make the Kinect less creepy, I could take off my tin foil hat and consider getting an Xbox One!

    Reply

    • Rinceyouropinion

      June 20, 2013 at 00:14

      Agreed. I must pay an extra $100 for that crap?

      Reply

    • John Ambitious

      June 20, 2013 at 07:27

      That kinect is an issue yes.

      Reply

    • Andre116

      June 20, 2013 at 07:33

      But I liked being watched.

      Reply

      • John Ambitious

        June 20, 2013 at 07:39

        Only when I’m doing something that’ll embarrass them

        Reply

        • Andre116

          June 20, 2013 at 07:42

          Like playing on your PS4 while forcing the Kinect to watch. 🙂

          Reply

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 07:53

            0_o

          • John Ambitious

            June 20, 2013 at 07:55

            Ooh. That’s just plain genius

        • HvR

          June 20, 2013 at 08:28

          “Xbox, PS4!”

          Reply

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 20, 2013 at 09:12

        OVG Knows, *goes to fetch sniper rifle… Oh, are you getting Tiny Tina DLC?

        Reply

        • Andre116

          June 20, 2013 at 09:13

          Yup. I have the season pass. Finally completed the game again with Siren. now on LVL 37.

          Reply

  6. cyanyde

    June 19, 2013 at 23:16

    Too little too late. I’ll still be buying a PS4.

    Knowing Microsoft, they’ll just patch the DRM back in, once everyone has bought a XBOne.
    Not falling for it.. if they’re willing to consider such ridiculous policies, who knows what their next move might be.. I said I wouldn’t be buying an XBOne, and I intend to stand by my decision.

    Reply

    • Andre116

      June 20, 2013 at 07:19

      I was thinking the same thing. Unfortunately the same might apply to Sony.

      Reply

    • OVG

      June 20, 2013 at 09:02

      It is $99 cheaper and does not have a Mandatory spy cam packaged and a 6 month head start. WIN

      Reply

  7. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    June 19, 2013 at 23:33

    I probably still won’t pick one up, but this definitely a step in the right direction. It’s also good to see that regardless of the naysayers or the apologists, the gaming community’s voice is powerful. I’m just as impressed with my fellow gamers as when they rose up against bioware last year.

    Thumbs up to all the gamers who hashtagged, and those that kept the pressure up.

    Reply

    • Rinceyouropinion

      June 20, 2013 at 00:16

      Agreed. I’ve said it all along. We need to make a noise. That being said, I think this is more a reaction to SONY than us. Perhaps a bit of both? Gotta hope:)

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        June 20, 2013 at 07:39

        Bit of both, MS never reacts to Sony…but when they saw how people started supporting Sony more than them then they started to fart a little…When they saw pre-order numbers they began to sh*t

        Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        June 20, 2013 at 13:10

        I’m sure those Amazon and ign polls helped as well, but I have to agree with Umar, it’s not Sony per se, but rather the flood of xbox gamers saying “screw it, we’re getting PS4s”.

        I wish I was a fly on the wall, during one of the high level meetings at Microsoft, just to see the panic. The problem is, I don’t trust them. It wouldn’t surprise me that once they have a decent install base again, they’re going to sugar coat the DRM issue, and make it palatable (via marketing or the “power of the cloud” crap) for those who own an xbox one, and we’re back to where we started.

        Clearly, they’re eyeing ownership or at least trying to redefine software ownership, even more so then the initial push by Microsoft back in the 90s, regarding software licenses.

        The funny thing though, the more my rights as an owner is eroded, the more I don’t particularly care about being anti-software piracy any more. Take a company like CD Projekt Red, I would never even think of pirating their software, because they’re trying to give their consumers the best possible deal, and they respect, that their product can be sold. The more DRM, the less a company respects you as a consumer and an owner, therefore pirate young activist… PIRATE!

        Reply

        • Rinceyouropinion

          June 20, 2013 at 13:14

          Arrrrrr! I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I do have some concerns, but I really want there to be something positive from all this rubbish we have had to endure over the past few months. Man, I hope some tape is released of the meeting between EA and MS. MS: “EA, you know you scrapped your online sign up in favour of OUR always online… Yeah, well about that…” EA 0-o

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 20, 2013 at 13:16

            Microsoft has put them on a spot now, first by indirectly blaming them for the DRM fiasco, and then for dropping the DRM in the first place. I suspect there aren’t many happy faces among the top brass at EA today.

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 13:18

            Totally. Some very pissed of people. I am sure they were promised a load to jump to their ship, still, NFL and NFL fantasy league… FTW!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 20, 2013 at 13:22

            Bar some legalities among timed-exclusives, I think the language between EA and MIcrosoft may change in the coming weeks. EA might find itself buddying up with SONY again.

            Whoever pushed for a closer relationship with Microsoft, must be getting cold stares these days.

          • Spathi

            June 20, 2013 at 13:48

            Please EA, stay the fuck away from Sony!

    • Mathias

      June 20, 2013 at 13:53

      I agree. This is the kind of reaction I was looking forward to find. Not jokes and trolling, but this.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        June 20, 2013 at 14:00

        lol, sometimes, especially when the full moon shines bright, and the wind howls across the peninsula, I’ve been known to have an occassional rational thought 😛

        Reply

  8. DrKiller

    June 19, 2013 at 23:34

  9. GooseZA

    June 19, 2013 at 23:37

    Hallelujah! Now about that price…

    Reply

    • BacchusZA

      June 20, 2013 at 05:42

      It’s expensive, but I don’t really mind it all that much. I mean, I’m going to be dropping R5k or so on a “upper end of mid-range” graphics card for my PC in the next few months, so R7k or so for a whole console, with kinect, isn’t all that dramatic. TrackIR for a PC is R3k or so, all by itself, just to give you some perspective.

      Reply

  10. Daniel Keevy

    June 19, 2013 at 23:40

    It goes to show what impact E3 has on the devs. I’m pretty sure if they didn’t get this popular backlash at the biggest show they would have carried on through.

    That and the fact that it wasn’t just criticism but actual consumer up swell and consumer will that inevitably dictated this.

    Reply

  11. hairyknees

    June 20, 2013 at 00:05

    Good to see that they actually listened (in fear of losing sales I suppose :P). I’m still a Sony fanboy at the end of the day, so PS4 for me 🙂

    Reply

    • Elmarie May

      June 20, 2013 at 11:13

      Same here!

      Reply

  12. Deano

    June 20, 2013 at 00:45

    Great News!!!
    Back on the wish list 🙂
    Thank you MS for listening!

    Reply

  13. HvR

    June 20, 2013 at 00:45

    Interwebz TODO list:
    Get MS to drop DRM -> check
    Get MS to drop 24 hour check in -> check
    Get MS to drop compulsory Kinect.
    Get Balmer to fire Phil onstage while doing his crazy happy dance.

    Reply

  14. Skyblue

    June 20, 2013 at 01:36

    Finally, some reason after the madness

    Reply

  15. Happy Hamster

    June 20, 2013 at 02:25

    Does that mean i would need to cancel my Cosatu Strike outside Microsofts Office?

    Reply

    • John Ambitious

      June 20, 2013 at 07:29

      We still need more exclusives, so don’t cancel it just yet.

      Reply

  16. Harvey P. Cheesewinkle

    June 20, 2013 at 03:18

    Well for those who are supreme loyalists to the MS platform, I’m happy they’ve done this for you. It’s very very rare that a company will do an about face of this magnitude, solely because its fans have cried foul.

    Just out of curiosity though, will the stance they originally took make you pause before buying a One? Or is all forgiven??

    Reply

    • BacchusZA

      June 20, 2013 at 05:34

      Yeah, I’d pretty much decided I wouldn’t get one unless they dropped the DRM restrictions. That said, I still won’t likely be getting one for quite a while, at least not until the second revision “360 slim” equivalent is released.

      Reply

  17. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    June 20, 2013 at 06:43

    I don’t even have coffee in my system yet….what is this…*opens eyes wider*……………..whoa…did not see this coming…firstly….f**k yeah to gamers, we are getting our voices heard more and more…let the rage flow out and hopefully we will all stop accepting this corporate bullsh*t …anyway…it’s not too late. Fow now the damage is still fresh but in a year or two people would have forgotten about it. But I for one do not trust them at all. If the pivotal feature of an entire system is so easy to turn off…what’s to say it’s not easy to turn it back on. Am i supposed to praise them for listening..for doing what they should’ve done in the first place.please, they still don’t give a fu*k about gamers..they are scared sh*tless after the backlash…I’ve made my peace with PS4…and i have no regrets…not after all of MS bullsh*t…..but hey good news still for everyone

    Reply

    • DarthofZA

      June 20, 2013 at 07:30

      I still don’t get why you think they don’t care about gamers. They now own 8 game studios, more than Sony. They have an incredible controller and just dropped the DRM. Sony dropped featues advertised on the box with the PS3 that people didn’twant removed, MS drop what people want removed. If anything they are all about the gamers!

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        June 20, 2013 at 07:36

        Really? Have you even been following what has happened up till now? …. Have you not read a single thing they have said? …. They dropped the DRM, that’s nice. They did it because of the backlash .. not because they care about gamers …. if they cared then DRM and always online features would not even have been an issue. But no, we had to stand here and let Don tell us hey if you don’t have internet , stick to 360 …. is that care and respect for gamers?

        Reply

        • DarthofZA

          June 20, 2013 at 08:11

          I’m bleak the DRM was dropped. There goes my uber cheap gaming for the next generation. But lets look at the big picture. Sony are essentially releasing the same console they released last gen, but with better specks. They still own the same amount of studios, except now they have less third party studios sticking exclusive with them. MS have tried to move things forward, own more than double the amount of studios they had last gen, and have much greater third party support in the form of exclusives. When did not being all about the GAMES not be caring about gamers? I don’t care if money drives their decision and you’re falling for Sony’s good PR as their way of saying that love and fluffy things drives their decisions and not money. If I get better quality as far as GAMING goes on my GAMING platform from MS, then I’ll say MS are offering more for GAMING, and therefore care more about GAMERS. Money drives both. What matters is what we get.

          Reply

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 20, 2013 at 08:21

            So far Dead Rising is the only interesting game showcased. Ryse looked okay but it looks like a QTE Total War. So tell me what exactly is MS doing to provide better gaming on the system? having more studios? Naughty Dog released The Last of Us THIS GEN and it is already better than any exclusive MS has ever had. Are we supposed to be blown away by yet another Forza and Halo? … Obviously MS will have good games, but that’s not enough to cover up their poor PR and arrogance. I could care less about Sony or MS, but as a consumer you need to be treated with a certain level of respect, and whether or not it was just good PR , Sony at least done that and tried to woo gamers.

          • DarthofZA

            June 20, 2013 at 08:28

            So you’re saying everyone should of boycotted the PS3 because they had the worst PR with that console? No ways. And miss out on all the PS3 exclusives?

            Yes, the next Halo will most probably be incredible. Halo 4 was amazing. If you like Racing games, yes, the next Forza is looking incredible. I don’t like racing games. Read the hands on impressions from Ryze, on this very site, it looks incredible. Sunset Overdrive and Quantum Break also look like they might be something awesome. Then MS still have 5 other studios working on games to come out soon. MS have 5 other studios been working for awhile on games.

            what am I supposed to be excited about on the PS4? Infamous only… I don’t like driving games. The next Killzone? I’ve played all the other Killzones, I didn’t find them that much fun. What else am I supposed to get excited about? Sony’s other 4 studios have all just released or about to release something on the PS3? How long will we have to wait to start seeing their quality games come out?

          • Spathi

            June 20, 2013 at 08:38

            “Sony’s other 4 studios have all just released or about to release something on the PS3?”

            I am so glad you raised this point. A life cycle of a console is longer than just the launch period.

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 20, 2013 at 08:48

            Xbox One should’ve been boycotted because of the features it is trying to implement not just the PR, with the DRM removed the Xbox One is viable choice now and I’m glad for people who are going to buy it. but who the hell wants to live in a world where if your internet goes down your console won’t even work and you can’t even swap games with your friend.

            If they had shown any sort of remorse and acknowledgement of their mistakes then I could look at this news and think, hey, maybe we should give them a chance, but they have done nothing but disregard gamers and insulted them. Like i said, I care neither for Sony or MS, but MS showed no respect for gamers.

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 08:52

            It’s like you say something, and he goes on about something completely different. You are not talking about games, you are talking about DRM, forced online and the inability to share. He is hammering on about personal choice in games… 0-O

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 20, 2013 at 08:59

            lol I ended up bringing up the Last of Us and saying Ryse sucked which derailed my initial point lol

          • Spathi

            June 20, 2013 at 08:29

            Are you trying to convince yourself that the TVbox is for gaming by spelling gaming in caps the whole time? 😛

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 09:13

            WHAT DO YOU MEAN? lol

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 08:34

            DRM would have prevented uber cheap gaming because you wouldn’t be able to buy 2nd hand games at cheap rates because the devs and publishers would set the minimum charge for reselling the game. Not to mention that MS would have added a fee as well. This was all confirmed. By dropping their DRM MS has now ensured that cheap gaming is possible again on the XBox.

            The rest of your points I agree with. Everything that MS and Sony do are for the money. Neither of them care for the gamer. But at least Sony was smart enough to realise that their fanbase would shy away from them if they forced DRM as MS tried to do. MS ended up changing because of the backlash they got. They proved that forcing DRM on to consumers is a bad idea.

            It sucks that some of their cooler features are no longer available, but they did indicate they are going to work on a way to still provide those benefits on an optional basis. They just need to redevelop some of the tools they already developed.

          • DarthofZA

            June 20, 2013 at 08:50

            @Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew Their sharing between 10 people is what was getting us cheap gaming.
            @Spathi I’m not so stupid that I think that their console is all about TV. At their gaming conference, they didn’t bring up the TV once (with the exception of one of their games that integrates TV). Sony did at their gaming conference. I spell GAMING in caps, as that is what I care about, and that is what MS is showing. But you seem to care about the TV and good PR more. Good PR means nothing to me when I am smart enough to see the product behind it. Sony is supporting the PS3 longer, but MS are working on getting their next console full of good content quicker. By all means, buy a PS3 if you want a current gen console now, because Sony are still focusing on this gen more than the next.

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 09:00

            For sure. The sharing with 10 family members would be great. Not sure how they were going to implement it. But the point is this is something they should have developed as an optional choice for people. Not forcing online because they had some cool ideas that only some people would be able to utilize.

            Best example: DiabloIII. They said they had to force online because of the auction house and because monsters and skills were all generated and controlled server side. They used it as an excuse to force online and it bit them badly.

            The console release can now be played offline and online depending on choice, has the auction house and all stuff is generated player side instead of server side. They were able to work around the issues they claimed were impossible to do otherwise.

            This is what MS should have done. Built it from the beginning allowing both. That’s all that everyone is trying to say I believe.

            MS have amazing ideas. They have amazing tech at hand and they certainly are trying to push things in to true next-gen territory. No one can deny that it’s ambitious and really good for everyone involved. But the fact is they tried to force features that not everyone is able to use and instead of thinking about people who couldn’t use it they decided those people were not good enough. Yes they changed their minds now because they finally saw just how many people can’t actually use all their new features. It’s a better business choice. But how amazing would the XBox not have been if it had both options available from the start? They would have won the console war right then and there. Now unfortunately they have a bad name in the market.

            You may not care about PR and marketing, but let’s face it. 90% of the world does and company image is very important for most people in this world.

            I agree with you that the XBox is good and that they have a focus on gamers. But they ultimately failed to grab the hearts of every gamer and instead almost alienated most of them.

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 09:14

            Well said.

          • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

            June 20, 2013 at 09:22

            Thank you rince 🙂

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 20, 2013 at 09:48

            Agree with rince 🙂 Nice

          • Spathi

            June 20, 2013 at 09:02

            Well then, go buy a next gen console now if you care about next gen gaming. Oh wait, you CAN’T!! I’ll care about the next gen when the next gen is here. For now, I’ll play my awesome current gen exclusives.

            You keep on yapping about PR. I don’t give a damn about PR. I care about actions. Actions like giving PS3 users GOW4, Beyond: Two Souls, The Last of Us, Gran Turismo 6, Puppeteer and Rain THIS YEAR as exclusives. This isn’t PR.

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 20, 2013 at 09:20

            Xbox is targeting a wider market that happened to also include gamers. Pizza Hut apps, fantasy league football and skype are not part of the Xbox gaming world. They are part of MS’s greater vision. It is a distraction to focusing solely on games. By removing the always online BS and DRM they are remembering the core gamers that made them huge with the 360 console. They alienated many MANY gamers until last night’s announcement, even Cliffy I AM GOD B admitted that over twitter. And FYI, the reason MS didn’t mention TV very much at their E3 launch is because of the massive NEGATIVE publicity they got from their initial reveal, which was almost entirely about what your TV can do for you, where as SONY spent 2 hours going on about games.

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 20, 2013 at 08:54

        Really? REALLY? They did it because we shouted at them dude, what the hell?

        Reply

  18. e1ace

    June 20, 2013 at 06:45

    While I am really happy this has changed, it just feels wrong. When Sony announced their DRM info they looked like heroes – It looked like a consumer decision and not a business decision. This is all business for MS though. They saw the pre order amounts and had to make a business call.

    Remember all that PR talk about how the console was built from the ground IP and that it cannot be changed. This is still a win for gamers but MS failed on this generation.

    Reply

  19. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    June 20, 2013 at 06:54

    From XBox news: ” Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console — there will be no regional restrictions. ”

    well at least one can import the console now and not stress about region locking. Or is the initial setup still going to prevent that?

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      June 20, 2013 at 08:27

      Npe. we have official confirmation you’ll be able to import.

      Reply

      • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

        June 20, 2013 at 08:28

        Very cool. MS may have made a huge mistake with their E3 announcement but at least they seem to be trying to rectify it all now.

        Looks like consumers really can make a difference with enough voices 🙂

        Reply

  20. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    June 20, 2013 at 06:56

    This is really going to turn the tables. Now the XBox really is more feature rich than a PS4 and with the exclusives they do have I can see them taking the market.

    EA must be pissed that they have dropped online passes in hopes that MS would be their DRM wall. Now that that’s gone I wonder if EA are going to do a 180 and bring back online passes?

    Reply

  21. Andre116

    June 20, 2013 at 07:11

    I’m…I’m…so confused right now. It def changes things around a bit. That said, I’m still going to wait a while before going next gen. Should help me make a more informed decision. Price is still an issue as well as what my friends will get. No point getting a different console from then and then not being able to share any games anyway.

    Reply

  22. Happy Hamster

    June 20, 2013 at 07:19

    Maybe they announced plan A at E3 saw the reaction and now its Plan B

    Reply

  23. John Ambitious

    June 20, 2013 at 07:28

    I wonder what Cliffy is going to say about it now. Suddenly the numbers are going to make sense?

    Reply

  24. MaX

    June 20, 2013 at 07:29

    HAhahahahaha, greatest marketing and PR stunt by MS since Windows VISTA… and all the XBOX fanboys fell for it. Shame… Suddenly all the XBOX BS is forgotten and MS really cares about their users…really… phew, clever bunch at MS!

    Reply

  25. Craig Lotter

    June 20, 2013 at 07:35

    Throw in Games for Gold and all of a sudden Microsoft’s console is in the running again!

    Reply

  26. Arrancar-4

    June 20, 2013 at 07:43

    Microsoft all ready showed there true faces. It’s to late to put the mask back on. “Fool me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me… C’mon I ain’t that stupid”. I’m sticking with PC, playstation and WiiU for next gen. Not that I ever intended to buy a xbone, cause there is nothing on that VCR that interest me.

    Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      June 20, 2013 at 07:48

      Lol nice. I mean clearly they showed how sneaky and arrogant they can be, so what’s to say they won’t just turn it back up again or implement some other crap

      Reply

  27. TechniKyle

    June 20, 2013 at 07:49

    This is great news! Finally gamers are being heard. Now, when people bash the Xbox One it will be a lot less justified. I’ll still get a PS4 in the end, but I am happy for people who are going for the next Xbox.

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      June 20, 2013 at 07:56

      I still reckon Sony is the way to go but I agree with you. This is good news for XBox fans.

      Look, it’s still sad that MS has misread the community because the best solution would have been to offer both worlds. Now they take away the game library on the cloud for everyone. Including those that have reliable internet and would like to be able to access their library anywhere by just logging in.

      It would have been cool if they left their cool features intact but just making it optional.

      Still, I’m glad to see that gamers won’t stand for this level of DRM.

      Sorry EA but MS bugged out hehe

      Reply

      • Anon A Mouse

        June 20, 2013 at 08:04

        They did say they still think this is the future so I am willing to bet 5 dollah that you will see that play your games from anywhere thingy getting back into the system at some future date. Might not be in its original form but I’m sure it will surface again in a year or so.

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          June 20, 2013 at 08:07

          I hope so. While I don’t agree with forced internet connectivity I do believe in looking forward and designing a system that can use it if you have it.

          Reply

          • DarthofZA

            June 20, 2013 at 08:14

            Yeah, they did say it won’t be available at launch, not at all. So I’m sure they’re working on the best of both worlds thing now.

  28. Martin du preez

    June 20, 2013 at 07:52

    Looks like Sony saved the Xbox brand..Your welcome xbros.

    Reply

  29. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    June 20, 2013 at 07:52

    GAMEBREAKER

    Reply

  30. Happy Hamster

    June 20, 2013 at 07:57

    Maybe Bill Gates phoned them from some descendant african country doing handouts and crapped them out

    Reply

  31. Anon A Mouse

    June 20, 2013 at 08:00

    I guess in the end MS had to #justdealwithit. Still not getting one, I’m to heavily invested in Sony’s Playstation.

    As a sidenote – Has any one of you guys had a look at your game library and then put a monetary replacement value on it? I moved to a different town (that still can’t give me proper adsl. lol) and did an update to my insurance schedule. I almost fainted.

    Reply

    • HvR

      June 20, 2013 at 08:38

      Are specifying on your policy (Game name + value for each) otherwise you might get a surprise when you need to claim.

      I know my brother had a break in and they only paid out a set fee for CD and DVD (say R70 and R90) regardless if it import or PnP bin special.

      So just maybe check with them.

      Reply

      • Anon A Mouse

        June 20, 2013 at 08:48

        Had that happened to me a few years back as well, since then I send my insurer an inventory list plus pics, as well as replacement values. I must admit, I haven’t done a new one in a while so decided to do one while packing up and moving. Heck I could have bought a decent car with the amount I’ve spend on games and music over the years.

        Reply

  32. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    June 20, 2013 at 08:05

    http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/zfghde/pach-attack–drm-derailed

    Aprrently Pach called it before it happened lol……oh Pach

    Reply

  33. Goth_Nerd

    June 20, 2013 at 08:14

    *cues Too Little Too Late by Jojo*

    Reply

  34. Edwin le Roux

    June 20, 2013 at 08:18

    What is the possibility that after a year, they changed their mind turn another 180 again. When then all new games require an XBOX update, which in results require you to log on every 24 hours again.

    At that stage its to late, as you already spent your money on the thing.

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      June 20, 2013 at 08:37

      Not sure if that is legally allowed. Once you have a product and it does a specific set of things, any updates to that product in future need to keep the basic level of operations intact. That is for the actual device itself.

      Nothing stops them however from releasing a new console on new hardware that does that and then dropping support of the old one.

      But the point I am making is that the physical device you already have must retain it’s base functionality as is when you bought it. IE: Offline mode

      Reply

  35. Trevor Davies

    June 20, 2013 at 08:18

    Well done MS. Let’s give some credit where credit is due.

    I have one question though… didn’t you say before that your DRM scheme was mandated by publishers & wasn’t your idea? How did you change their minds?

    Reply

  36. Fiona

    June 20, 2013 at 08:19

    I love my Xbox 360 and have never even considered a PS, but after they announced this whole mess with the One I started looking at the PS4 and what it offers.
    I am very glad that Microsoft let the DRM go but my allegiance has already shifted to the PS4 as it just offers a better product in the end.
    Sorry Microsoft – you really messed this one up!

    Reply

  37. Ryanza

    June 20, 2013 at 08:36

    We all got a glimpse into the future of Microsoft. Microsoft will now just update the Xbox One with Online DRM when they have the numbers.

    At least this shows that the consumer doesn’t want DRM/Online DRM.

    Reply

    • CypherGate

      June 20, 2013 at 08:43

      And I just made a comment similar to yours about this.

      Reply

    • HvR

      June 20, 2013 at 08:50

      I do not think they will just switch them, the fallout on that would be monumental (including a few good’al merica class actions).

      Something they might do is keep the DRM/check in as an optional feature for developers and publishers.

      Reply

  38. OVG

    June 20, 2013 at 08:40

    You see? If we do not bitch and moan then they think everything is OK.

    But I do not trust them. Their game plan for the next 10 years has been revealed. They now realise like ANY FOOL that the install base is fcking important. So now they are gunning for that then they will boil the frog slowly.

    Boil the frog slowly.

    P.S. I do not have internet so how do I “initially set up the console”?

    Close but no cigar.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      June 20, 2013 at 09:02

      Exactly! Plus even if you have internet what speed would you need then to do the setup….. plus games like Dead Rising 3 they say they need the cloud to make the game so big, so what then people just cant play it? unless online. I lost faith in MS even know I have a 360 at home thats the last xbox I buy. PS4 here I come 😉 p.s your recommnedation bout movie “The Road” was a good movie thanks lol

      Reply

      • OVG

        June 20, 2013 at 09:09

        Cool bud now play or watch The Last of Us. Cool game.

        Microsoft will slowly force the owners hand into buying all the forced on-line features that will come packed with everything.

        Same shit different pile. They revealed their entire hand at E3 and that was very stupid. Now they need to gain more public support then they can carry on doing what they plan to do.

        Stiil, what a fck up of an E3.
        I would say the PR was as stupid as the NEW COKE campaign.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          June 20, 2013 at 09:20

          E3 was a joke… I mean Ms showed some cool games *mainly DR3 and forza 5 but then let everyone down with DRM crap…. So everyone turned to Sony which to be honest didnt have the best games to show but I wouldnt be suprised if Ms threw money at the developers to make them delay showing the games… maybe maybe not… But From what i have seen with the Ps3 there were many games I wanted but never came to see light on 360, sure gears of war never graced a ps3 but gears became a little dull I enjoyed all 3 havent played new one. But always wished the GOW was god of war instead and I agree what you saying. Ms put their cards on the table and everyone saw, now they see how stupid they were and saw the millions of tweets and messages on forums and now have a plan B…

          Fool me once…. Shame on me…. Fool me twice shame on you MS

          Sony you have my money

          Reply

          • nicksimp101

            June 20, 2013 at 11:17

            Agree with your sentiments, although they may not have had the BEST games vs 3rd party devs, they were still better than MS. I think their 1st party devs and the self-publishing indie games will win out on the best games front on the next gen in the long run.

  39. CypherGate

    June 20, 2013 at 08:42

    Whose to say they won’t “Switch” on those features later down the line? I mean say people adopt this console and a year or two later they activate those features? That could be possible. MS cant really be trusted.

    Reply

  40. Kaya

    June 20, 2013 at 08:48

    wooohooo!! That is awesome news, despite the high cost it makes Xbox a whole lot more appealing to me. My goal is to still try and get my grubby paws on both.

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      June 20, 2013 at 08:50

      Both? What nonsense is this! How dare you try to be a real gamer by having as many options available to you as possible by having as many platforms as you can!

      But jokes aside, glad to see that you are willing to support gaming instead of a single corporation 🙂

      Reply

      • Kaya

        June 20, 2013 at 08:53

        I have a PC too, the only platform that gets no love from me is Nintendo. Probably only because none of their games hold any appeal for me.

        Reply

        • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

          June 20, 2013 at 09:03

          Aw boooo. Nintendo are awesome man 🙂

          Wish I had enough money to afford my PC and consoles though.

          Reply

          • Kaya

            June 20, 2013 at 09:10

            They are, and Lego Undercover is very appealing, I just had to draw the line somewhere 🙂

      • DarthofZA

        June 20, 2013 at 08:54

        I don’t understand how people stick to one console at all. I cannot imagine going through a generation without playing all the Nintendo gems.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          June 20, 2013 at 09:23

          If I had cash to throw around Id buy wii u for mario alone lol

          Reply

  41. Maverick

    June 20, 2013 at 08:52

    Ha ha

    Reply

  42. Khulani Ndlovu

    June 20, 2013 at 08:56

    I can see Bill Gates just called a board meeting, finally!!!!, 😉

    Reply

  43. Scratchy

    June 20, 2013 at 09:00

    Called it!

    Reply

  44. Jonah Cash

    June 20, 2013 at 09:02

    This is good news for ALL GAMERS!! No matter your preference, this is better for our industry that we love… And for once we all fought for what is right and WE won!!
    I however will still not buy the XBONE, just because it is more expensive and the Kinect checking my every move bothers me a lot!! If I can disable Kinect, then maybe…. But as it stands right now, I will still be in the market for a PS4…. Although I will probably only buy one somewhere in next year, or if they have a good deal over December(Bundle me a free controller or a game or two and I am sold)!!!

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      June 20, 2013 at 09:24

      I doubt there will be a bundle deal by this xmas sadly. But on the plus side we might very well see a Ps4 or xbox one at rAge this year which would be great news! last rAge that I actually enjoyed was when they showed off xbox 360 lol

      Reply

  45. fred

    June 20, 2013 at 09:05

    Good , now drop the price , and drop Kinect .

    There must have been a shitstorm brewing as MS headquarters for this to happen.

    Reply

  46. Jakster

    June 20, 2013 at 09:17

    Sony share prices already down 5% since this news broke through last night. Covered with the PS3 “bricking” update, this brings forth winter for Sony!!!

    Reply

  47. Circuitflow

    June 20, 2013 at 09:43

    FINALY, MS listened! I was 99% convince in getting a PS4,
    thank the stars I can now get my XBOX!

    Reply

    • Happy Hamster

      June 20, 2013 at 09:48

      a year later than the rest of the world

      Reply

      • Natty Dave

        June 20, 2013 at 14:06

        I don’t see the point i worrying about the availability considering both the xbox and 360’s had problems with catching on fire when they were released

        Reply

      • Andre116

        June 20, 2013 at 20:06

        Agreed. Why the rush? So many damn great games I still need to catch up on.

        Reply

  48. Lardus

    June 20, 2013 at 10:00

    Conspiracy theory time: MS never intended to implement those measures. They waited for a blowback so they can supposedly “listen to the consumer” and score brownie points for being such good listeners! But a lot of gamers are the type to hold a grudge…for generations to come lol

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      June 20, 2013 at 10:07

      That would have been stupid of them. They genuinely believed in their vision until just a few days ago. The backlash following E3 threw them back, and they’ve had to react.

      Reply

      • Lardus

        June 20, 2013 at 10:10

        Yup, it would have been really stupid. The theory is very VERY thin and I cannot think of a business man in the world doing that…other than in South Africa maybe LoL! Still, good news as this made the console a no-go for me…now it is up to rAge to show me the way!

        Reply

  49. Nathan

    June 20, 2013 at 15:05

    Not that I have ever done it, but I would liken Microsoft’s DRM proposal, to prosing “swinging” to your significant other. They are similar in the sense that you had better be sure of the response you will get before you make the proposal. If you get the anticipated response…good for you. If you don’t get the response you wanted then you’re in a difficult situation and the level of trust between you and your significant other is forever eroded. Your significant other would start reconsidering whether they trust you. “I thought we were happy with our relationship?” “Will he/she start “swinging” on their own?” “Will Microsoft introduce the DRM at a later stage?” Etc.

    To a certain degree I am happy that Microsoft have changed their attitude but the fact that they proposed such a draconian DRM system in the first place makes me nervous and has forever eroded our relationship of trust. I am not sure that i can assume that they will not introduce the DRM when they have a large enough user base. As a semi-loyal M$ supporter who has about 60 Xbox discs in my small collection I think I might be ready to consider a more open relationship and spend more time with my PS3 and maybe even per-order a PS4.

    Reply

  50. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    June 20, 2013 at 15:28

    Man, been on leave so missed this.
    WHAT A SHOCKER!!! NAAAAAAAT! Still not sure about the Kinect features though, But now this race is going to be A LOT closer.

    Reply

  51. guest

    June 20, 2013 at 15:39

    “But let’s put this as candidly as possible: It was down to Microsoft, and Microsoft alone, to decide what stayed and what went.

    …blaming the people who demanded a strategy change would be a remarkably misdirected thing to do.”

    http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/194697/Opinion_Xbox_One_didnt_need_the_pushy_DRM_to_further_the_medium.php

    – Andrew

    Reply

  52. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    June 21, 2013 at 02:15

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