But that's only one facet of it. On launch when hundreds of thousands of gamers are trying to authenticate in the host servers, it causes wait times and unnecessary overhead for the simple "online check-in". It doesn't make sense. Also even if you have an internet connection, maybe the host is having an outage or unscheduled downtime for whatever reason. Why should you be penalized for that on a game that has no online content? You only have 30 min to get a quick game in, but can't because of online DRM. Its a horrible way to do things in my opinion. Imagine if you had to email or text Ford every time you got gas in your Mustang because they want to know how many miles you are driving first before they release the pump to fill up the tank.

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I understand the concerns. I would hope that Microsoft builds a global redundant network for authentication that avoids that. Given the infrastructure they have with Azure, it should be pretty easy for them.

I just don't see the 24 hour check really being a problem. It sounds much worse than it is. Even if I was moving and didn't have internet setup yet I'd just connect my xbox to my phone and let it phone home and then be good for another 24 hours. I predict Microsoft changes the 24 clock to something bigger though. 72 hours would make a lot more sense but at least 48 hours.

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I'm with Rick in that the 24 hour check in and DRM probably won't personally bother me a lot. That being said, this is going to horribly limit the install base for the Xbox One, so much so that I'm guessing any developers who may have been persuaded to develop exclusively for it based on the built in DRM will be dissuaded by the fact that you will be reaching a far smaller audience.

I've heard a lot of people saying this whole things reminds them of Sony and the PS3 launch...they just got off the heels of an insanely successful system and they are so cocky to think they can do whatever they want and people will eat it up. Problem is, other than the high launch price, I'm not sure what Sony did with the PS3 that was anywhere near as bad as this.

Finally, was listening to an Xbox-centric podcast this morning and almost every said they were cancelling their One preorders they had made after the Microsoft presser and many are going to pre-order the PS4. Not a good time to be Microsoft.