Can't be arsed to link or quote the entire thing right now, but Microsoft have just announced a
complete 180 on their sharing policy.
Why? Well pre-order numbers and online satisfaction polls were showing 90% in favour of the PS4. There was no way they weren't going to do something. The online check-in is gone, the online requirement is gone (BUT WHAT ABOUT THE POWER OF THE CLOUD?!!), games now require the disc in the tray, and you can trade those games exactly as they work on the 360 today.
But a complete 100% backpedal is kind of humorous, especially after all the arrogance from Microsoft over the issue. I wonder where that puts everyone now. The One is still $100 more.
Btw this means almost all of the announced "features" are gone too. No sharing your library with 10 people or accessing any of your games from any xbox, etc.
Quote:
So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:
An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.
In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions.
These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.