Well the news just broke that Microsoft has made a complete reversal on two of the major issues a lot of the gaming community had with the upcoming Xbox One next generation console.

The two specific quotes from Don Mattrick on the Xbox Wire news blog were:

  • 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.

So right there are the two major sticking points relating to the Xbox One that were changed to what most everyone in the community wanted to see. Microsoft said they were listening and appreciated the feedback and these changes are a result of that.

As everyone is at their desks dancing a happy dance because these requirements were relaxed here are a few things you should think about that will impact features some were looking forward to on the Xbox One console.

So lets take a look at two scenarios that are changing with these announcements by comparing what was previously published about the Xbox One and the update that Don Mattrick posted today.

Today’s announcement:

  • 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.

Previously announced:

  • Access your entire games library from any Xbox One—no discs required: After signing in and installing, you can play any of your games from any Xbox One because a digital copy of your game is stored on your console and in the cloud.  So, for example, while you are logged in at your friend’s house, you can play your games.

So there will be no opportunity to share your games with anyone except by handing them the disc even if you previously installed the entire game to the console’s drive. Downloaded games that you buy instead of physical media can not be shared at all.

Today’s announcement:

  • 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.

Previously announced:

  • Buy the way you want—disc or digital—on the same day: You’ll be able to buy disc-based games at traditional retailers or online through Xbox Live, on day of release. Discs will continue to be a great way to install your games quickly.

So no regional issues with downloaded or disc based games and you can still download games on release day but they can not be shared with anyone. Digitally downloaded games also can not be resold, traded, etc.

That is just two quick examples of how this reversal will impact some of the innovation that was coming to the Xbox One but it seems like most everyone is happy with these changes based on the reaction of the tech community.

Of course for those who might have been looking forward to these features coming to their new console they get to look forward to the status quo when it comes to Xbox One since everything will work the way it does today on the Xbox 360.