Xbox Series X: you will finally be able to play certain games offline

Microsoft has chosen to remove a pesky restriction from its Xbox Series X. Now, having an internet connection is no longer constantly required to be able to install certain games.

Although some exceptions will persist in the future.

Internet, otherwise nothing (or not much)

Until now, an Internet connection was required to be able to launch most games on Xbox Series X. As a result, some users could find themselves unable to access their favorite titles in the event of a network outage. The fault of the famous DRM system which verifies that a player has the rights to be able to launch the software stored in his console.

For example, Xbox (first name) and Xbox 360 games cannot even be installed without Internet access. In this specific case, the disc only acts as a key to be able to download the optimized version. The same goes for Xbox One titles that require a connection only when first installed. Finally, Xbox Series X physical games are unstable offline on this console.

A change that feels good

Through a tweet published by Eden Marie, an Xbox engineer, we learn that a player can now install his Xbox One games (in disc version) on his Series X without needing to connect to the Internet during the process. Checking compatibility online is also not necessary when playing.

Of course, exceptions will continue, in particular for “ stubs “. This designation is used to define physical games whose full version is not present on the disc. They then need an internet connection in order to download the missing data. This is the case of Forza Horizon 5 or of Halo Infinite, for example. Other Xbox One and Series X compatible titles will work perfectly offline.

Finally, remember that a Microsoft account is required to be able to configure an Xbox Series X when it first starts. This essential step will therefore have to be carried out via the Internet… In short, it is currently impossible to completely do without a connection to the network in certain specific cases.

Source : Engadget