14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has confirmed that some of the mechanics it pulled from the Xbox One to make room for the changed DRM imposed on used games, such as the Family Sharing system, could make a comeback if there's enough feedback from fans.
Among the many different limitations imposed on pre-owned titles and the 24-hour mandatory online check, the Xbox One had some interesting features, like Family Sharing that allowed players to share their games library with up to 10 other people.
Due to sudden change in terms of limitations for used games, Microsoft opted to scrap the Family Sharing system for the Xbox One.
According to the company's Mark Whitten, the feature could make a comeback at some point in time.
"If it’s something that people are really excited about and want, we’re going to make sure that we find the right way to bring it back," Whitten told IGN.
"A ‘road map’ sort of implies more like ‘on date X it’s back’ than I think exists, but we believe really strongly in how you build a great experience on Xbox One for me as an individual, but also for my family."
"Family Sharing is a great example of how you do that with content. I think you’re going to see us, both with examples like that and with other things, keep pushing on how that’s something great. An example is some of the stuff we’re doing with what we announced around Gold, where other people in the house get the advantages of Gold when I’m a Gold member. You’re going to see us continue to push in those areas."
Whitten then explained just why Microsoft had to take out the system after announcing the changed rules regarding used games and pre-owned titles.
"We took some feedback and realized there was some stuff we needed to add to the program, Whitten said, referring to the requirements. "To add it to the program, we had to make room, just from a pure engineering perspective, to be able to get that work done. So taking Family Sharing out of the launch window was not about ‘we’re going to take our toys and go home’ or something like that."
"It was just sort of the logistics of ‘how do we get this very, very clear request that people really want, that choice, and how do we make sure we can do an excellent job of that, get to launch, and then be able to build a bunch of great features?’"
Whitten is adamant that Family Sharing could work even with the more relaxed requirements imposed on pre-owned titles, so Xbox One fans can look forward to trying it out at some point in time.