Microsoft Flips on Video Game Resale
By Alex Byers
The company pulled a 180 yesterday on some of the policies attached to its coming Xbox One console, prompting gamers to declare victory across the Web. From the WSJ: “The Redmond, Wash., software company said it would no longer require its Xbox to connect to the Internet each day, nor would it restrict how its videogame discs are traded, resold or rented.” From a policy perspective, it’s the latest public attention for the first-sale doctrine — and the move from Microsoft has supporters of that provision smiling ear-to-ear. “It’s clear that companies are realizing that consumers want the assurance that they truly own what they buy,” said Owners Rights Initiative Executive Director Andrew Shore. “The ability to sell, lend, borrow and trade video games is important among the gaming community, providing a way for gamers to exchange games and discover new ones.”
Source: Politico Pro, June 20, 2013