Microsoft announces Xbox One game protection and online requirements

Microsoft has released the first concrete details about how privacy, games, and online connectivity will work with Xbox One.

Announced via a news rollout (full details), there are plenty of facts to consider. The console will feature a gigabit Ethernet port and 802.11n wireless; with Wi-Fi Direct, Xbox One can speak directly to smart wireless devices and connect to them through the cloud. A broadband connection of 1.5Mbps will be needed for the best experience.

Perhaps most importantly, Xbox One can play games 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 movies.

When it comes to games, day 1 digital releases will be the norm alongside retail. After signing in and installing, you can play any of your games from any Xbox One as long as you're on your account. Anyone can play your games on your console - regardless of whether you are logged in. Up to ten members of your family can log in and play from your shared games library on any Xbox One, though only one game per family member at a time.

The trade-in rules are a bit more murky. Game publishers can enable you to trade in your games at participating retailers or give them to friends, and Microsoft does not charge any fees for enabling transfer of these games. There are two requirements for game transfers to friends: 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.

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. Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch.

With regards to privacy, you will determine how responsive and personalized the Xbox One is. There are key privacy options, like automatic or manual sign in, privacy settings, and clear notifications about how data is used. When Xbox One is on, your conversation is not being recorded or uploaded. When the system is off, it’s only listening for the single voice command - “Xbox On,” and you can turn that feature off too. If you don’t want the Kinect sensor on while playing games or enjoying your entertainment, you can pause Kinect.

More information is said to be forthcoming as the Xbox One nears launch later this year.

Share: