Xbox One DRM policies: Microsoft isn’t backing down

Microsoft has revealed that it has no plans to change its announced policies on the internet requirements and used game limitations on the upcoming Xbox One console.

The question of whether Microsoft would amend its next-gen game-plan arose after Sony announced that the PS4 will have no mandatory internet requirements or used game limitations.

Microsoft exec Phil Spencer explained that the 24-hour “phone home” feature of the Xbox, along with the other policies are “definitive”, yet the company will listen to feedback and try and evolve the Xbox One.

“I’m going to say this in two ways, so if it’s confusing please let me know. We wanted to set our definitive policy in black and white terms on Xbox Wire, which we did last week. That’s our policy,” began Spencer.

“We wanted to set our policy as it is for Xbox One in clear terms so that there wasn’t ambiguity in what our stance was. That was our intent.”

This policy is summarised here: Xbox One Internet speed requirements, game trades clarified

Xbox One Family

Spencer then explained that the Xbox 360 saw changes in its policy following its launch, and that policy changes could happen if market trends dictated it.

“When we first shipped the Xbox 360 the idea of a Netflix didn’t exist. That robustness that we see in the digital marketplace around content wasn’t there. Free-to-play wasn’t a way that people bought games.

“And through the life of 360 there have been policy changes and Marketplace changes that have responded to consumer demand, creator demand and what’s happening in the marketplace.”

Spencer also paraphrased Larry Hryb (AKA Major Nelson), director of programming for Xbox Live, saying that the systems evolve, just as the Xbox 360 did.

What do you think of Microsoft’s stance? Do you think they’ll be pressured into changing the internet requirement policies and used game restrictions to meet the competition?