With E3 now over with, and the secretive hands of Microsoft and Sony revealed, a lot of questions have been answered about the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Now, I wonder: is the battle already won?
In response to both of the impressive press conferences held by Sony and Microsoft at E3, gamers have overwhelmingly have picked their first buy. Hardcore gamers have chosen the Playstation 4. While the exclusive games for both systems will draw plenty to spend their hard earned cash, Sony in the end listened to gamers. Unfortunately for Microsoft, some of the new ‘features’ they added onto their highly anticipated gaming system feel more like restrictions.
To start off, Xbox One requires a daily check in using an internet connection. If the Xbox One cannot connect to the internet within 24 hours, it will not allow you to play the video games you purchased. Yes, even the single player games that don’t have any online components. Any households without a reliable internet connection (however rare that may be by today) will be unable to make use of an Xbox One system. Furthermore, any service men or women deployed somewhere where they may not have an internet connection will be unable to use this system. However the 24 hour grace period changes to only one hour if you take your Xbox One to a friend’s house.
Perhaps the biggest ‘feature’ Microsoft is now forcing on their future gamers who will use their system is the stance they take on Digital Rights Management (DRM). Microsoft is choosing to make it so the disc of whichever game you purchase will be linked with your Xbox device, and only your device or gamer profile can play it. You are allowed only one trade with a friend on your profile who has been friends with you for a minimum of 30 days, for a maximum of one trade. In one move Microsoft is effectively saying, “No selling, no trading, no used games.” You are able to play your games at a friend’s house on their device, but only while logged in onto your gaming profile. However, for him or her to play the game on their gaming profile (perhaps after you leave the game at their house) your friend will have to pay the full retail price for the game as if they are buying it from a store. To make this feature feel like less of a restriction Microsoft added another feature to allow your friends, family, and visitors in your household to be able to play your games… A feature that exists for every console ever made… Ever.
In response, Sony came out and made it clear that you will be able to trade, sell, and lend games amongst your friends. The PS4 will support used games and will not restrict gamers in their selling or buying of used games. These gaming systems are used for much more than just gaming, they are also are a social medium in which friends share their experiences through the lending of their games. Gamers also add to their collection while saving their money by buying from local used video game stores. It also doesn’t hurt having the Playstation 4 at $399 versus the Xbox one at $499 either, does it? The results from IGN’s pole doesn’t surprise, “We asked our readers who they thought was “winning E3” during the show. Over 280,000 of you responded, and Sony took the top spot with 81% of the votes. Microsoft garnered 12% and Nintendo grabbed the remaining 7%.”
I’m interested in how future events will unfold as I look forward to eventually owning both a PS4 and an Xbox One. Will Microsoft change their stance on some of these issues, maybe slight tweaks? As it stands, I plan on buying a PS4 first, along with many other gamers.
Let me know – do you agree or disagree? Which system will you buy first?
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