Surprise Xbox One DRM Reversal Requires Day One Patch, Cuts Features

You win some, you lose some. In changing its drastic Xbox One DRM policies today, Microsoft will actually be cutting some of the cooler features announced from the console. Everything's got a price, folks.

"There’s a few things we won’t be able to deliver as a result of this change," Marc Whitten, v.p. of Xbox Live told Kotaku, "One of the things we were very exicted about was 'wherever we go my games are always with me.' Now, of course, your physical games won’t show up that way. The content you bought digitally will. But you’ll have to bring your discs with you to have your games with you. Similarly, the sharing library [is something] we won’t be able to deliver at launch."

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I'm surprised it's already too late to change it. Kind of punches a hole in the idea that Sony was on the cusp of doing something similar (TOO BAD, CLIFFY).

So I need internet for the patch? I knew there was a catch to all of this..

I'll take being able to rent games and buy used games from any store I choose over that feature.

Makes sense, but nice to know Microsoft always had a plan B. Unfortunately that does mean you'll have to connect ONCE to the internet at launch to get that patch. My guess is with future production it won't be necessary, but initial produced units will require this.

I don't think there was always a plan B. This sounds like rather drastic response to whatever bomb Gamestop dropped on them yesterday (spill it, Ben!).

Manufacturing is already well underway so while this is annoying its not surprising

Im sure non launch consoles will probably come with the patch already installed

Microsoft never had a plan B, they changed the software because the bad press from the fans and early adopters forced their hand. They underestimated the power of the internet and news surfacing. We'll just keep forcing it until they make a usable console for gamers.

This.

The Gamestop's bomb have immediate effect... now big can it be?

We all knew* this was coming. Spin pure and simple to get goodwill by "listening to customers." They likely were going to put DRM out there to see if people would swallow it, then, if they didn't, yank it and get goodwill.

*knew = over 90% chance.

Exactly. They saw the difference (likely 10 to 1) on preorders and said "fuck that!"