The mystery behind just how the Xbox One, Microsoft's successor to the venerable Xbox 360, will operate is finally becoming clear. Microsoft has broken their silence on the issues, laying to rest debate concerning internet requirements, how used games will function, transferring games, family settings, and Kinect privacy.
The first, and probably the source of the most controversy is whether or not Xbox One will require gamers to be constantly connected to the internet in order to enjoy their games. Previous rumors suggested one would simply not be allowed to play their games on the new console if they were disconnected from the internet for any reason.
The truth seems to lie somewhere in between. Xbox One will allow players to go offline for a set period of twenty-four hours during which time offline gaming will be possible. After this period however you will be required to reconnect to an internet source otherwise offline gaming will no longer be possible.
If you're accessing your game library on a separate console you may only play games offline for one full hour before needing to re-establish your connection. An important addendum to all of this is that some games may still require a constant connection despite Xbox's offline allowances.
Microsoft also has added that despite the time restriction you will still be able to enjoy TV, DVD, and Blu-ray functionality.
In regards to the policy on used games Microsoft is essentially passing the option off to publishers who will be allowed to opt in or out of game resale. The publishers as a result will have the ability to set the terms of trading and selling used games and at which retailers this will be allowed.
Microsoft is also giving publishers the right to allow whether or not you can gift your disc-based games to friends. Gifting will have two requirements assuming the publisher allows it: a game can only be given once, and the person that it is gifted to must have been on your friends list for a minimum of thirty days.
Whether or not Microsoft will allow the game to be continuously gifted after that remains unclear. Information regarding how the system will work in regards to digital purchases also remains murky.
The Xbox One, by utilizing cloud storage, will allow you to be play your games from any other console. This means that one could travel to a friend's home and have full access to your games. All one would have to do is sign in to their account and proceed to install the game.
Microsoft has also specifically stated now that anyone can play your games on your console, squashing rumors that the system would have a Kinect-based feature to see if the actual owner of the game was playing or not. Microsoft stresses players will be in complete control of what the Kinect sees and hears and at what time and at no period will any data be uploaded elsewhere.
Building on this, the Xbox One will allow up to ten family members to log in and play your games from any Xbox One console. Family members will essentially have a completely shared library, ensuring that all titles are available to everyone.
Since pricing for the Xbox One online services hasn't been unveiled yet it remains to be seen whether one will have to opt for a family plan in order to take advantage of this or not.
Probably the most important unknown in the equation is whether or not gamers will embrace these new changes or opt for a different gaming outlet such as a PlayStation 4 or PC. Only time will tell.
