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In what is the biggest backtrack and perhaps most hilarious move in gaming history, Microsoft has removed much of the Xbox One DRM.  The company’s Xbox One Q&A page has been updated with, “As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies for Xbox One reflected in this blog. Some of this information is no longer accurate — please check here for the latest.

And change they did.

According to the update from Microsoft, an Internet connection is no longer required to play offline Xbox One games and there is no longer a 24 hour connection requirement. Additionally, there will be no limitations in using and sharing games, game play will work just as it does on the Xbox 360.

  • 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.

Other things to note, Microsoft said that you can buy a disc from a retailer or you can download games from Xbox Live on the day of release.  If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console — there will be no regional restrictions.

These changes align with the rumors shared from GiantBomb, a video gaming site, that published the rumor that Microsoft would be releasing an update on its DRM policies earlier today.

Obviously, all this news comes after Sony’s PS4 basically swept the floor with the Xbox One at E3, winning over the hearts of most hardcore gamers.  It just shows how worried Microsoft is about losing this generation’s console wars.

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