Responding to criticisms that Microsoft did not do a good job on putting the spotlight on the core services of the Xbox One, the game console maker has finally released a statement and revealed that it is allowing gamers to trade games and that the new console needs to go online at least once in 24 hours.
One of the major points of the official statement, is that game publishers may allow trading-in or selling of used games in participating retailers.
"Today, some gamers choose to sell their old disc-based games back for cash and credit. We designed Xbox One so game publishers can enable you to trade in your games at participating retailers. Microsoft does not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers, or consumers for enabling transfer of these games," Microsoft explained through an official statement.
This part of the statement clearly says that it is up to the publisher if they will allow reselling of games for cash or credit. Microsoft has basically passed the ball to the third-party publishers. Gamers can only do it via the said participating retailers serving as middlemen who can impose charges and other terms for the transaction.
Microsoft does not discount the fact that people may want to give away their games to friends but will implement certain conditions.
"Xbox One is designed so game publishers can enable you to give your disc-based games to your friends. There are no fees charged as part of these transfers. There are two requirements: 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," the Xbox One manufacturer said.
Microsoft also released another statement pertaining to its requirement for Xbox One users to go online periodically in order to play.
"While a persistent connection is not required, Xbox One is designed to verify if system, application or game updates are needed and to see if you have acquired new games, or resold, traded in, or given your game to a friend. Games that are designed to take advantage of the cloud may require a connection," Microsoft stated.
Microsoft said it will allow gamers to play offline for a day when using their own Xbox One and limit the use to one hour if playing from another game console and using their games library. After consuming these prescribed times, gamers cannot play until they re-connect with the server. The Xbox One will be practically turned to a mere TV box and movie player if gamers cannot "check-in" with Microsoft.
"At Xbox, we've always believed in a connected world of games and entertainment. With Xbox One, we are planning for a connected future. We can't wait to show you what's to come," Microsoft ended its statement.
With these two new statements, one can only imagine how gamers will react. Will this be a PR nightmare for Xbox One? Or maybe, Microsoft is just reserving everything for the upcoming Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3), the biggest video game conference held annually, on June 11.
