Todays events have no real impact on me as a gamer. I can still get my games digitally, physically whatever...

The bigest loser today is technology in general for console gaming...we had a chance to see something new on consoles. A different way things can work in an industry that is about 3-4 years after its "best before" date would be refreshing. Instead we are changing nothing and same old is continuing and as a technology addict I find this dissapointing.

In any case, I was just ponting out that the majority isn't always "right" with the coment above and didn't mean anything personal. As far as Britney, I can't think of anything worse that was more popular in recent memory.

Microsoft doesnt like being behind Sony 2-1 in the preorder charts in America. Its not just DRM thats helping Sony gain steam against Microsoft.

1. Immature console gamers? Just get over it mate. Only a handfull of people were stupid enough to want these restrictions. Just because it turns out you were wrong, don't insult everyone who plays games on a console because you think you're some special "master race" It gets tiresome reading your constant dribble.

2. The greatest thing ever to happen to console gaming? Please. If Microsoft had have continued, there'd be you and a few million other "loyal" fans playing on empty servers and they'd be out of the console race. They were primed for the biggest failure in console history. Why do you think they've completely gone back on their policies?

3. Then I suggest you stick to the PC forums and stop your whingeing and moaning about how you are above all the console plebs and the gaming industry is doomed because of greedy consumers.

#dealwithit

I agree with this 100%  - MS decided to try and pander to what the developers wanted and regards to EA or anyone saying they didn't ask for DRM they all wanted it as they want developers to make the rules rather than having to give us good dlc and vast online modes to ensure that we dont trade our games in.  

I've always had xbox since they entered the console marketm I have first xbox from very first day (i was one of the sad people who queued at midnight)  and had several 360's and always loved them all, I was waiting for xbox e3 show to decide and i did decide, unfortunately for them, although glad they've changed their minds i'm not going to, i've pre-ordered my PS4, have no plans of cancelling that pre-order and unfortunately for MS they've lost one loyal customer in me unfortunately.

I still think developers want drm and may try again in the future but i still think if developers know we cant trade pre owned games - will that make them lazy in terms of online modes etc?  consumers won today and basically made it clear that if you want our money you have to earn it.

This is a fair point, im the opposite though. I like to actually own my stuff. And im not too lazy to have to get up and change a disc, but to each his own. I dont think digital is the future, but having it as an OPTION is. THe fact is that MS was doing a crap job of implementing features. Like you said they had a poor strategy. They COULD have giving people the best of both worlds, but they DIDNT, doesnt matter would could have happened it only matters what is happening, and what was happening was not what people want, they let MS know and here we are. Thats not to say they cant implement better features in the future we just have to wait and see.

IMHO them removing the actual good features, was just one final. "You dont like what we were doing, so now you get nothing." Like a spoiled child. THey could have implemented that stuff without the crap DRM but thats just me.

The sharing features, would we have had access to the entire game or a portion (or timed) akin to the PS + timed demo for new releases?

Don't get me wrong, I do like some aspects of their original plans, but implementation and communication were both poor. It just didn't come off as something that had value for the consumer. If they repackaged it and made tweaks I'd welcome it.

lol haters gonna hate, even when MS does the right thing

Well, just to clarify, I'm not a hater- assuming you are referring to me. In my opinion, the 360 > PS3. I had way more fun with the system, even though things started to tone down towards the end. Barring the RROD, for me, the 360 would be the number one system of all time, but that title belongs to the PS2.

But I am a gamer, and I am concerned about the direction Microsoft is taking. That is all. I will get the box since I love Halo, though.

Theres nothing to really hate on besides for the DRM fiasco. It screws the pooch for everyone especially when you know full well you're forcing it down everyones throat including your own fans. Xbox fans can enjoy their console now no different than the 360 without Microsofts software interference. Who knows ? This might just free up ram for games in the long run when titles become more ram intensive beyond 3GB.