Xbox One licensing statement details used game gifting and reselling

It has been a bit since Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One, and today it has posted a write-up detailing how game licensing for the gaming console works. One particular area of concern has revolved around used games, which was partially detailed on May 24 in a policy leak. The licensing details posted by Microsoft clear up a few areas of questioning, such as whether used games can be given to friends and resold.

According to a post on Xbox.com, owners of the next-generation gaming console will be able to share their gaming library with up to ten family members, who can play them by logging in an Xbox One and accessing them via a shared game library. As such, a game owner's sibling, for example, can play one of the gamer's titles at a friend's house, having access to all the shared game titles.

This is made possible because Xbox One games are stored in the cloud upon installation in the console, providing access anywhere sans disc and personal console. Games will be available for purchase both digitally and as discs from retailers. When it come to playing games on your own Xbox One console, anyone can do so, meaning unlimited friends and family can play an unlimited number of your games when using your own console, no login necessary.

When it comes to giving away a used game to friends, there are a couple stipulations, but it is possible. One requirement is that the individual to whom you are gifting the game disc must have been on your friends' list for a minimum of 30 days. In addition, any given game disc can only be gifted one time. Note that this doesn't encompass loaning the game to a friend – it will be transferred (without fees) to your friend. Microsoft says that loaning and renting the games won't be possible when the console is launched, but that it is 'exploring the possibilities with [its] partners."

And as far as trading a used game in, such can be done at a participating retailer, where the game will then be sold and transferred to whomever purchases it. Microsoft says that it is not going to charge any platform fees to the publishers, retailers, or gamers for "enabling transfer of these games", putting some rumors and fears to rest.

SOURCE: Xbox