Rumour: Microsoft To Reverse Xbox One DRM Policies! UPDATE: It’s Official!

This is likely the biggest post-announcement reversal in gaming history.

While not quite official at this time, at some point today Microsoft is expected to announce a reversal the Xbox One DRM policies first announced this May.

Giantbomb broke the news, which apparently comes from an anonymous, yet reliable source. According to the article, the following policies are expected to change:

-No more always online requirement
-The console no longer has to check in every 24 hours
-All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360
-An Internet connection is only required when initially setting up the console
-All downloaded games will function the same when online or offline
-No additional restrictions on trading games or loaning discs
-Region locks have been dropped

It’s certainly interesting that the company is changing things so shortly after solidifying the facts at E3. Microsoft has been the butt of every gaming joke since the announcement, so the reversal can only be good for them, but is the damage already done? How many Xbox loyals have been lost forever because Microsoft tried to do this? Will this be a case of forgive and forget, or will people still steer clear of the console out of principle?

We’ll update you as soon as we know more, or get the official word. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the rumour below!

UPDATE: Microsoft has confirmed the policy reversal on the official Xbox Blog. The site is being slammed, and may currently be inaccessible, so here are the main points:

-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.

Let us know what you think of the news, and if it changes your mind about the Xbox One.

Source: GiantBomb