Hoo Boy: Xbox One Games Must Be Verified Online Every 24 Hours

Microsoft has finally laid down what will be its policies on online requirements for the upcoming console, as well as how it will handle used games.

It isn't pretty.

In its post about connectivity, the company states that the console will not need a constant online connection in order to work. It is designed to, however, quote - 

" ...verify if system, application or game updates are needed and to see if you have acquired new games, or resold, traded in, or given your game to a friend. Games that are designed to take advantage of the cloud may require a connection. "

Continuing...

"...you can game offline for up to 24 hours on your primary console, or one hour if you are logged on to a separate console accessing your library. Offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies."  

For used games, the company has stated that DRM will be up to the publishers. In short, there are no fees for handing them off to friends, but those friends will have had to be on your friends list for at least 30 days, and each game can only be given to them once.

Microsoft Studios will allow gamers to trade in used games at participating retailers, and, "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."

I...I can't...just, wow. So, in a nutshell, we have little control over ownership of the games we buy for the system. This can't be real. At all.

Sources: [Connected, Licensing]