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UPDATE: Microsoft has confirmed the report. “As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies for Xbox One”. But what does it mean for you? Head here for the full list of changes.
ORIGINAL STORY: Microsoft is to announce changes to Xbox One’s controversial DRM policy and ‘always-online’ requirement “later today”, according to separate reports from tech review site WhatHiFi and specialist games site GiantBomb.
The rumour, which first appeared on WhatHiFi earlier this evening, claims that Microsoft is set to announce that it will “remove DRM restrictions on Xbox One games” and the requirement for users “to have the new Xbox ‘always online'”.
The site claims that Microsoft “is set to announce the changes later today, with games developers being informed first”.
GiantBomb’s report, meanwhile, backs up WhatHiFi’s claims, stating that it’s heard from its own sources that Microsoft is set to pull a “complete reversal on Xbox One DRM policies”.
The changes, the site alleges, will mean that the console “no longer has to check in every 24 hours,” and “all game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360”.
The site also suggests that Microsoft has pulled a 180 on its pre-owned policy, stating that “authentication is no longer necessary” and that there will be “no additional restrictions on trading games or loaning discs”.
Microsoft has faced widespread criticism from the community for its approach to DRM on Xbox One. But could the backlash have finally forced Microsoft to act?
VideoGamer.com has contacted Microsoft for comment.
Source: whathifi.com, giantbomb.com
