The people have spoken and Microsoft shall deliver. Despite an in-depth unveiling of its new and innovative Xbox One console, some of the digital rights management aspects rubbed many fans and users the wrong way. A slew of new yet controversial restrictions were thought to be imposed on game sharing and authentication requirements, but after receiving substantial “candid feedback,” Microsoft President of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick has decided to lift all restrictions and let users enjoy the same requirements they have already been for years.
Last night Mattrick posted a statement to Xbox’s blog last night, informing his loyal user base of the new plan to remove the restrictions and update the DRM. He noted, rather sincerely,
“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. “
But what exactly did Microsoft include in its Xbox One DRM that outraged so many gamers? For one thing, in order to play any game, online or offline, users would have had to connect to the internet as well as authenticate their respective device every 24-hours. All users need to do now is complete a one-time set up and enjoy all the perks of the new all-in-one entertainment hub.
Another issue had to do with restrictions being placed on trading-in, lending, reselling, gifting, and renting disc based games. Per the statement, users can now enjoy doing all of these things just as they have done in the past. Further, there will be no regional restrictions placed on performing any of these actions, as “Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console” regardless of location and proximity. Games can also be downloaded and played from Xbox Live the day of their release.
The idea behind the restrictions was to prevent any pirating and copyright issues Microsoft could’ve encountered, though all of the limitations instilled a kind of troubling “big brother” mentality in the Xbox faithful.
According to The Guardian, rival console make Sony used Microsoft’s bad press to its own advantage with executives noting at E3 that its PlayStation 4 “would place no restrictions on pre-owned sales and wouldn’t require daily online authentication – the announcements received a huge applause.” I’m sure Sony also made it a point to convey to users that the PlayStation 4 would afford more freedom to users at $100 less than the $499 Xbox One console.
Microsoft wasn’t necessarily wrong for trying to impose some kind of regulation on its hardware and software, they just weren’t able to communicate the purpose to their fans in a way that didn’t sound overbearing and downright creepy. But, having said that, the fact that Mattick was willing to listen to the outcry and not simply stomp on the hopes of users with his big technical boot is refreshing from a high-powered executive. It gives him a more intimate relationship with his sprawling user-base which Microsoft will likely use to its own advantage.
