The cat is out of the bag, after weeks of roundabout answers and dodging questions, Microsoft has finally opened up about the Xbox 360 and used games and internet connections.
According to Microsoft, the Xbox One needs to connect to the internet at least once every 24 hours, if it does not it will no longer play games. This 24 hour rule applies to a person playing his or her own Xbox at his or her own house. If you play on your account on a separate console at a friend’s house, then Xbox One needs to be connected to the internet at least once every hour.
“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,” Xbox Wire writes. “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.”
Microsoft hasn’t been this clear about the Xbox One since it was announced, Microsoft stated the console, “does not have to be always connected, but Xbox One does require a connection to the Internet.” Microsoft sates that you should have at least, a broadband internet connection of 1.5Mbps for the Xbox One, mobile broadband for those without access to an Ethernet connection. The console itself has two wireless antennas, a gigabit Ethernet port and is 802.11n wireless.
“Because every Xbox One owner has a broadband connection, developers can create massive, persistent worlds that evolve even when you’re not playing,” Xbox Wire says.
As for games, you can give your friends your games after all, but only once. Also if you have been friends for more than a month (on Xbox Live). That’s according to the new rules shared today about Xbox One game licensing by Microsoft. Games can come in retail or digital versions, and they MUST be installed on your Xbox One while logged in. You will then register the game on the cloud, now you can play it anywhere you’re logged into an Xbox One.
If you want to resell a game, you can only do so to a retailer, but that retailer will have to sign up with Microsoft as part of a program. There are no Microsoft fees for this, but “third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers.” You can give the game away, but only once and only to someone who’s been on your friends list for that required 30 days. Microsoft also says that the ability to loan or rent games “won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners.” All of the information about these topics can be read below.
more info: xboxwire, majornelson
