Yahoo Finance Xbox One U-Turn Follows 'Candid Feedback'
Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT - news) has responded to widespread criticism of plans to restrict its Xbox One users' sharing of games, and has also removed unpopular daily online authentication.
The company had previously said users would not be able to lend or sell used disc-based games and would not be able to play games offline without establishing an internet connection.
The new console, which is due out in November (Xetra: A0Z24E - news) , was unveiled at the same time as Sony (Xetra: 853687 - news) 's PlayStation 4, which has no such restrictions and a lower price tag.
Now Microsoft's Don Mattrick, president of Interactive Entertainment Business, says the company has listened to "candid feedback".
He told gamers: "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."
He added: "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."
Mr Mattrick continued: "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."
But he pointed out downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold.
Responses were quick to appear on the Xbox Twitter feed.
One poster, OfficialJayDub, said: "Good move. Because half of your XBL users (including me) were about to make the leap to PS4 just out of spite."
Nathaniel Fry said: "Wow (KOSDAQ: 039340.KQ - news) , it takes some **** to do the right thing. Well played, now this is something I can support!"
Oscar Ruelas added: "Am glad you have decided to do the right thing you were about to lose your faithful customers."
But others still favoured the PS4, with many pointing to the expected $100 (£64) price difference.
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