icrosoft is reportedly investigating the possibility of removing one of the few yet major disadvantages of digitally distributed media: the killing of the second-hand market.
Prior to the launch of the Xbox One, Microsoft had envisioned a world where all software was locked to a single console. In exchange for not having to place a physical disc in the optical drive of the Xbox One and the ability to download a temporary copy of the game to play when visiting friends, the company explained at the time, all discs would be a one-time consumable purchase - something its rival Sony mocked by pointing out that the ability to sell on a game you no longer want is a major advantage of physical media. Backlash to the concept of an always-on internet-connected digital rights management (DRM) system that would render games unplayable if your Xbox One couldn't communicate with Microsoft's servers saw the plans scrapped prior to launch, and now the company is reportedly looking to go the other way and allow gamers to trade in their digital copies for store credit.
|