Microsoft removes always-online requirement from Xbox One

In response to all the complaints from gamers and Sony’s policies about DRM on the PlayStation 4, Microsoft has announced that its next-gen console—the Xbox One—will not need you to be connected to the Internet when playing single player games.

The console only needs an Internet connection while setting up the first time, after which it can play any game offline. Games bought from Xbox Live will also have the ability to be played offline once downloaded.

The Xbox One can play single player games offline

"We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity," said Xbox boss Don Mattrick in a post on the official Xbox One website. "While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds."

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Earlier, Microsoft had stated that the Xbox One would need to be connected to the Internet at least once every 24 hours in order to play even offline games. Along with this, the company had severe restrictions on sharing games.

The Xbox One is set to hit 21 markets in November, but India will see a late 2014 release.