Microsoft has often caught heat for its Xbox DRM practices. More specifically, how the company handles licensing and customer ownership of single-player games. Players should own these games once purchased and not need to go online to access them. However, since 2013 and the launch of the Xbox One, Microsoft was requiring many games to go online to complete access.
Let's just say this, the rules of Microsoft's Xbox digital rights management (Xbox DRM) are confusing. These are the documents that highlight how Microsoft's systems use digital content on a license server. In other words, what is the company's stance on customer ownership is.
One of the big problems with the DRM is that games that shouldn't have an active DRM often do. Microsoft says it is now changing this controversial methodology. According to Xbox engineering lead Eden Marie, Xbox build 2206 reduces how many DRM checks are in place for Xbox One game discs.
Marie points out day one updates may still require check-ins if the full game is not available on the disc:
“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.”
Improvement
Let's be clear, no one is really calling for DRM check to go away. In fact, they are fundamental protection against piracy and copyrights. What Xbox games want is a smoother experience and a clearer system from Microsoft.
These latest changes go some way towards creating that simpler system.
Tip of the day: The Windows Clipboard history feature provides the functionality across device, space, and time, letting you copy on one computer and paste the text days later on a different PC. All of it is possible via the Windows 10 clipboard manager, which lets you view, delete, pin, and clear clipboard history at will.
In our tutorial we show you how to enable the feature, clear clipboard history, and enable/disable clipboard sync to meet your preferences. You can also create a clear clipboard shortcut for quick removal of stored content.