When Microsoft, brave digital pioneering frontiermen that they are, announced the Xbox One it was a device from the future. Eschewing the standard disc-based model it was to be a forward thinking, primarily digital platform. It would allow gamers to share their digital games, like a lending library of sorts.Only it was saddled with a 24-hour check in DRM. The internet revolted, and Microsoft was forced to backpedal. That digital future could return.
“We are now fully heads down on thinking about and building out the future of our digital marketplace to enable what people would expect, and hopefully some things that will delight them beyond their expectations,” Microsoft’s Phil Spencer told Gamespot when questioned on the features.
“I know when I say this I always get beat up, but I think some of what we were trying to say last summer was right.”
Microsoft is now committed to offline gaming – but still sees a future where digital game lending is possible.
“We understand what games you own and who you are and how you move around and who you might want to loan rights to your games or gift your games to,” Spencer said.
“We totally believe in that future. And any other marketplace you play in, these kind of mechanisms are out there.”
And he’s right. Steam announced last year that it was to implement family sharing, which after months of being in beta opened up to all and sundry earlier this month.
Last Updated: March 26, 2014
Kromas
March 26, 2014 at 10:33
AH but here is the thing. There is a big difference in shooting someone in the foot or giving them a choice between being shot in the foot or not.
DrKiller
March 26, 2014 at 12:24
LOL! Like who doesn’t want to be shot in the foot?
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
March 26, 2014 at 14:27
Choice is king.
Consumers want choice. I want to be able to share but I don’t want to always be online with 24hour check ins.
If I decide to share then I must log in every 24hours. If I don’t then the share stops until I log in again. Simple.
Choice choice choice
Rince
March 26, 2014 at 10:41
Header win!
Admiral Chief of Auraxis
March 26, 2014 at 10:44
Indeed, much lolz, very tightness
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
March 26, 2014 at 10:45
THAT’s next generation.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 26, 2014 at 10:52
Explains why it’s so lame…
Rikus
March 26, 2014 at 10:46
#notsurprised
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 26, 2014 at 10:49
Some of what you said was right, that’s not why you got beat up. The fact you still can’t figure out why is part of the problem.
Purple_Dragon
March 26, 2014 at 10:49
I really don’t get digital game “lending” or digital “second hand sales”. Makes no sense to me as there is no physical product.
veggiesaurus ZA
March 26, 2014 at 11:21
it’s just a license transfer, same as the initial sale.
Umar hearts Grandia
March 26, 2014 at 10:52
Family sharing is so awesome. I like to halfsies with another buddy of mine to buy things on PSN. One person buys and shares with another. I think it’s a totally wicked thing
veggiesaurus ZA
March 26, 2014 at 11:18
how exactly does that work on ps4?
Umar hearts Grandia
March 26, 2014 at 10:55
Also I love the Star Wars Header!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 26, 2014 at 10:56
lol
VampyreSquirrel
March 26, 2014 at 10:59
hahahaha
hillbilly gamer
March 26, 2014 at 12:23
Note umar hearts grandia unholy of sin confusing star wars with star trek is and will be punished next time with you branded as gamer guy.
Brady miaau
March 26, 2014 at 12:29
I am sure it was deliberate
Umar hearts Grandia
March 26, 2014 at 12:36
No man, do you not remember that time Kirk fought the Sith in Naboo
hillbilly gamer
March 26, 2014 at 12:43
Bring the branding rodes!!!!!!!
Pieter Kruger
March 26, 2014 at 10:55
Awesome! Thank you MS once again! Wha ha ha!
JustAnotherGamer
March 26, 2014 at 11:11
microsoft will never change. i just want them to exit the gaming industry. they’re a cancer, and if given the chance will ruin gaming.
Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)
March 26, 2014 at 11:54
Maybe Facebook should buy over the Xbox division O_o
Kensei Seraph
March 26, 2014 at 12:09
That’s next months purchase.
Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)
March 26, 2014 at 12:10
Yay to the FaceBox
EDIT: or if you are a stalker you can call it the eXBox 😛
oVg deprived
March 26, 2014 at 12:49
A little too late not to mention that anybody outside of America does not fall into their demographic.
Move on.
Johnny
March 26, 2014 at 14:57
Sweet! Can’t wait for them to do this. Didn’t understand why they had to get rid of this but can’t wait for them to reintroduce this feature and others. 🙂