Microsoft U-turn on Xbox One Game Sharing

Microsoft has responded to extensive criticism of its plans to restrict the sharing of games on the Xbox One and has removed daily online authentication.

The company initially said that users will not be able to lend or sell disc-based games and that it would not be possible to play games without an internet connection.

The console, which is due at the same time as Sony’s PS4, was being widely ridiculed, especially as the PS4 featured no such restrictions and a lower price tag.

However, Microsoft’s Don Mattrick, the president of Interactive Entertainment Business, said that the company has listened to “candid feedback.”

In a statement to gamers he said, “We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity. While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.”

He went on to say that an internet connection will not be required to play games.

The news has been greeted positively from Xbox gamers many of whom has said that they are no longer considering switching to the PS4.