The fact that Microsoft, one of the biggest software companies in the world, changed its strict DRM policies for the Xbox One in response to fan outrage is proof that fans have power over game developers. However, while Microsoft is changing its DRM policies, it doesn’t seem to be touching its other controversial policy: the always-on Kinect.
Xbox One chief product officer Marc Whiten insisted that the Kinect is absolutely necessary to the Xbox One in a recent interview with IGN. “We still believe Kinect is a really critical part of the architecture,” he said. “We think it changes the way you can interact with your experiences, being able to control the box with your voice or with gestures, being able to do Skype.’
However, the Kinect causes some issues with people who stress privacy as a primary concern. People in the armed forces, for example, cannot use an Xbox One on a base because it is capable of recording conversations that may contain classified information. Beyond that, many people simply don’t want an electronic device watching them at all times.
Microsoft also spoke to Eurogamer about their change in policies, saying that they honestly expect people to be connected all the time anyway. “We believe that most people, frankly, are going to continue to take advantage of the connected state and all that comes with it and that frankly it will be experiences like TitanFall taking unique advantage of the cloud, or Forza and Drivatars that people are going to love and they’re going to use.”
Source: Eurogamer