Xbox One’s networking policy has always been a point of controversy and confusion because everyone has been hearing different stories of what it will be. Well, Microsoft has confirmed its policy – while there will be no requirement for an persistent connection, you will need to connect to the internet once a day or you cannot play offline.
Yes. You heard that right. You must be connected to the internet, so Microsoft can validate you every 24 hours so you can play offline. And if you’re on a different console and accessing your library, Microsoft will validate you every hour. Otherwise, you will not be able to play any game offline.
“With Xbox One 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,” Microsoft said in a blog post.
Microsoft’s new policy is essentially always-on connectivity but in name. Microsoft requires you to be connected to the internet. But what happens if you don’t have an internet connection at home? Microsoft suggests you go and buy mobile broadband. Not kidding.
“In areas where an Ethernet connection is not available, you can connect using mobile broadband,” according to Microsoft’s advice.
This policy is just plain stupid.