Microsoft Quietly Changed How DRM Work on Xbox Consoles

Microsoft has confirmed that it had made some changes to how DRM (digital rights management) work on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles to make more games playable while offline. Eden Marie, Engineering lead at Xbox confirmed on Twitter (via Windows Central) that the 2208 Xbox system update released earlier this month now makes it possible to play most disc-based Xbox One games without an online check-in. 

“We examined data since Series X|S launch & determined the online compatibility check isn’t needed in the vast majority of cases for Xbox One discs. Some games may still need to be updated online after install to ensure the best experience, the Xbox team member tweeted. 

In recent years, the DRM situation on Xbox consoles has been a regular point of criticism among gamers, especially for games without a multiplayer component. It’s good to see that Microsoft has listened to feedback and made more games available to play without an Internet connection. However, as the Xbox engineer pointed out, the installation of some disc-based Xbox games still requires the Internet as in many cases, the developers didn’t include all installation data on the disc. 

The installation of backwards-compatible games with Xbox 360 and OG Xbox One discs also remains another case where an Internet connection is required. Because these games run through an emulator on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, you still need to download them (with their emulator) as “the data on the discs can’t be used directly,” the Xbox engineer explained.