Microsoft this week finally answered some key questions about how its Xbox One will handle issues such as Internet connectivity and the buying and selling of used games. In terms of used games, Microsoft says that you can buy and sell them through participating retailers or give them to someone who’s been your friend on Xbox Live for more than 30 days. Interestingly, Microsoft says that games may only be given to new users once so it seems that the game will stop working if your friend tries to give it to another friend.
In terms of connectivity, Microsoft says that you’ll have to connect to the Internet once every 24 hours to play games. The reason for this, the company says, is that “Xbox One is designed to 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.” In other words, Microsoft needs the Xbox One to check in at least once a day to verify whether you or your friends have any games that need to be authorized before you’re allowed to play them.
Microsoft also says that “loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners.”
