Microsoft has released a statement concerning some of the features of its upcoming Xbox One, addressing issues around preowned games and loans -- and revealing publishers may control that market.
Ahead of E3, Microsoft has released an official statement concerning some of the features of its upcoming Xbox One "all-in-one" entertainment system. Of particular note to readers, Microsoft has clarified the console's treatment of game sharing and selling:
Trade-in and resell your disc-based games: 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. Give your games to friends: 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.
Critically, Microsoft says it has placed control over used game sales in the hands of publishers.
Third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends. Loaning or renting games won't be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners.
The designation "participating retailers" and acknowledgment of way for publishers to control used game policy individually may mean that an official Microsoft reauthorization system will exist alongside the console. The same statement also includes clarification on Xbox One's online requirements and privacy concerns raised over the Kinect 2.0, which is packed in with the system. -- Large photo by Generic Brand Productions, used under Creative Commons license
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