Report: Xbox One will be region-locked

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The Xbox One will be region-locked, meaning all software must match the region of the console itself, Microsoft confirmed to Digital Trends. This means a US Xbox One won't be able to play games imported from Europe or Japan, for example.

"Similar to the movie and music industry, games must meet country-specific regulatory guidelines before they are cleared for sale," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "We will continue to work with our partners to follow these guidelines with Xbox One."

The Xbox 360 isn't completely region-locked – Microsoft currently allows studios to choose whether their games will work across regions. The PlayStation 3 is region-free, and all games except for Persona 4 Arena work on every console, regardless of spatial location. It's unclear if the PlayStation 4 will be similarly region-free.

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Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/report-xbox-one-will-be-region-locked/

Comments

"Report: Xbox One will be region-locked" :: Login/Create an Account :: 63 comments

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slapshot101Posted:

Frog Since I live an International lifestyle, this has actually affecting me several times in my life and can get really annoying. Why do they even bother doing it?!

Because it goes along with all their other restrictions to help prevent piracy, hopefully now you won't have to worry about this with DRM restrictions being lifted.

FrogPosted:

Since I live an International lifestyle, this has actually affecting me several times in my life and can get really annoying. Why do they even bother doing it?!

slapshot101Posted:

I really don't think this matters too much to me. I don't see why if Sony doesn't have to region lock it, then how come does Microsoft?

NasyrPosted:

This will ruin it for the Germans and others. With WaW they had to import a UK/US version to play Zombies.

LosT_CrayonZPosted:

what
?

ExoticWolfsPosted:

This isnt surprising at all.

bobo23Posted:

Iyaz no more borrowing friends games anymore :(


Are your friends from china or something!?

SahvidgePosted:

This really dampens my excitement for the console :/

LumPosted:

Cougar Def not going to buy this now


Keep the decision open as PS4 may not deliver the best quality.

-TamPosted:

no more borrowing friends games anymore :(