Since Microsoft revealed the Xbox One last month, there has been a plethora of mixed feelings, rumors and speculation surrounding the next-gen consoles privacy policy and used games functionality. While all of these questions are expected to be addressed at E3 2013 next week, Microsoft has shed some light on the situation now to help put to rest the 'fog' of the Xbox One.
Used Games
One of the biggest reports was that Microsoft would charge an 'unspecified fee' for used games on the Xbox One. The reason for this was that the console would require a game to be installed to it's hard drive. If a game is used, the console would detect this and charge a fee to play, much like EA's Online Pass fiasco.
To clarify this policy,grubblie Microsoft officially declared that a fee is up to a third party retailer:
'In our role as a game publisher, Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers. Third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends.'
Sounds good, right? Before you get too excited, Microsoft went on:
“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.'
This means that your friends and family have unlimited access to your full games library only if you have been friends with them for more than 30 days, or the game has been installed on your console which has multiple profiles.
So, a third party fee is still unclear. However, it seems that Microsoft will not be making a profit from any 'fees' that may apply. We can only assume that third party retailers and publishers may start charging a fee much like EA did, as this deal is all too tantalizing for publishers.
Always Online Requirements
While the Xbox One doesn't necessarily need to be 'always' connected to the Internet, it will need to have a connection once every 24 hours. If you don't connect your console,Gateway 3ds you can't play your games. This includes all types of games, even single player.
“With Xbox One you 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. 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.'
If your Internet happens to go out for more than 24 hours, you are out of luck unless you want to use your Xbox as a cable box. The reason for the 24 hour connection requirement is due to game licensing. However, Microsoft clarified with this vague explanation:
'Because every Xbox One owner has a broadband connection, developers can create massive, persistent worlds that evolve even when you’re not playing.'
Always 'Kinect'ted
The fear that the Xbox One Kinect will become the next Skynet and spy on your every move has been quite the talk of the gaming community. However, Microsoft claims users can control how much information and interaction you have with Kinect:
'You are in control of what Kinect can see and hear. By design, you will determine how responsive and personalized your Xbox One is to you and your family during setup. The system will navigate you through key privacy options, like automatic or manual sign in, privacy settings, and clear notifications about how data is used. When Xbox One is on and you’re simply having a conversation in your living room, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded.'
In addition, while the Kinect will always be connected to your console, Players can control if the Kinect is on, off, or paused. Some games will require you to have the Kinect on. However, your personal data will never be broadcasted over Xbox Live.
'You can play games or enjoy applications that use data, such as videos, photos, facial expressions, heart rate and more,http://www.linkergateway3ds.com/ but this data will not leave your Xbox One without your explicit permission.'
More Game Announcements After E3
The biggest complained has been Microsoft's lack of showing off games. It seemed that Microsoft was more excited to show off Xbox One's 'other' features than what is certainly more important to it's main user base. E3 next week may also prove to be a tad disappointing.
'E3 show is all games but we'll still have more exclusives to announce post E3. I expect GamesCom to be a good event,' wrote Executive Phil Spencer over Twitter.
You can see the current growing list of confirmed Xbox One titles here. There has also been an alleged released list of Xbox One titles being shown at E3.
Source: Xbox One FAQ
always online, kinect, Microsoft, policy, privacy, used games, Xbox One
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