The internet is down, the gaming is down.
Since the announcement of the Xbox One, Microsoft has been fuzzy on details of console’s ‘always on’ feature. Today Microsoft helped to slow the rumor mill. According to Microsoft, with the Xbox One you, the player, “can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library.”
“Holy moley Batman!” you say, “What happens if I am not connected to the internet more than 24 hours?” Well, Microsoft has an answer for you: “Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.”
Oh, good, even though I can’t play the games I bought because my internet provider happens to be doing service, I can still watch my TV! Yea, I’d like to see an episode of Glee try to quiet my rage after my gaming session has been interrupted.
But what about preowned games?
Microsoft also took it upon themselves to address the hot button topic of used games on the One.
“Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: you can only give them to people who have been on your friends list for at least 30 days and each game can only be given once.”
Clearly, the keyword here is can. Even with the sharing restrictions in place, players are not guaranteed the ability too swap games.
I don’t know about you, but I am not necessarily reassured by this news. Many game systems tout ‘always on’ features like game and system updates when a console may be in standby mode. But never before has a supposed “feature” limited my ability to play games on my GAMING console (yes I know, the One is a “media device”, but the point still stands). As far as sharing used titles goes, Microsoft’s approach harkens back to the days of DRM heavy downloadable music.
What do you think?
Now I ask you, my fellow gamers, how do you feel about Microsoft’s announcement? What are your opinions on how the Xbox One will be handling used games? Are you concerned that shoddy internet connection may interrupt your gaming sessions? Or, does this news coupled with what we know(and don’t know) about the Kinect have you concerned for your future privacy?
Tell us what you think!
Comment below, game hard, and stay safe.
