Xbox One Restrictions Lifted; Microsoft's Response Pleases Users

Facing heavy criticism from the computer gaming community, Microsoft is lifting restrictions on its newest gaming system, Xbox One. Users will no longer be required to have an internet connection for the system and will be able to freely exchange used games.

The company announced on the news Wednesday on its website, just two weeks after the policies were put in place, according to CNN Money.

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Originally, Microsoft required Xbox One users check in with central servers at least once a day via the Internet to use the service. On top of that, the company proposed a digital rights management system would only let gamers play if they were logged in from their accounts. Users were not able to transfer games to a friend or freely sell them.

Don Mattick, president of interactive entertainment business, said on Microsoft's Xbox blog that the company has abandoned both restrictions. Mattick said an Internet connection is not required after the initial setup, and gamers will be able to use any disc on any Xbox One system. 

"Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback, Mattick wrote on the company's blog.

"I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One," he added. "You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world."

Xbox user Pete Dodd, 36, of New Haven, Conn., told the Wall Street Journal he was happy with the company's responsiveness. Dodd said he used Twitter to help rally gamers against the new policies. 

"It's a victory for us," Dodd said. "Even the flip flopping on this, even though it's a good sign, it does paint a picture of a corporation that doesn't know what it is doing."

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