Xbox One no longer requires online checks.

For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future.

Don Mattrick, President, Interactive Entertainment Business

Microsoft's change of heart

Microsoft have changed their mind regarding the Xbox One and the way they handle Digital Rights Management. After a huge backlash following the announcement that the next gen Microsoft console would run an online check every 24hrs, as well as a strange second hand games policy, Microsoft have made a giant about face. 

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.

On an updated page for the upcoming console, Microsoft's Don Mattrick explains the logic behind their initial decision, the feedback, and the changes they will implement before the console is released. 

From the update

So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360.

Here is what that means: 

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.

Mattrick goes on to talk about Xbox One having simultaneous online and retail releases for games, as well as reiterating that any games purchased through their Xbox Live marketplace will continue to work offline. 

Some have also commented on the fact that this could be in response to Sony. On the night of the E3 conference where Sony revealed the Playstation 4 they also released this video, showing the ease of sharing games with a friend on PS4.

We'll have to wait and see how it all turns out for both companies later this year.