Xbox One offers new features, behind a golden paywall
Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One will require an Xbox Live Gold account in order to access the game DVR and OneGuide features.
Xbox One gamers wishing to access the game DVR functionality along with the OneGuide and several other new features, will have to subscribe to an Xbox Live Gold account.
Confirming the Xbox Live Gold requirements on its official website after earlier rumours, many of the Xbox One features will lie behind a golden wall of subscription.
The Xbox One’s game DVR functionality allows gamers to record up to 5 minutes of continuous gameplay footage, edit it and then share it with their friends.
Microsoft recently outlined further details about its DVR feature, explaining that the footage would be captured at 30fps 720p HD quality irrespective of the quality the game is being displayed at on the TV.
However, Microsoft won’t let gamers do this unless they pay £39.99 for a 12 month subscription, or £14.99 per quarter or £5.99 per month.
According to the Microsoft website, Skype and SmartMatch – the all new online multiplayer matching system for the Xbox One – are also behind the Xbox Live Gold paywall.
Also exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members is the new OneGuide, which offers Xbox One gamers a “customised view of what’s on TV, and see what’s trending within the Xbox Live community”.
This new information is sure to stir up more discontent with Microsoft’s marketing scheme for the Xbox One. The software giant has already had to make a huge 180-degree backtrack on its Xbox One DRM and online check-in policies after it receive huge fan criticism.
The Xbox One will arrive in 21 markets worldwide in November. It will come bundled with the Xbox One Kinect and be priced at £429.
Next, read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.
