It was either that or lose an entire generation of fans built by hard work on the back of Xbox 360, so I’m happy the policies are now something we don’t have to worry about. The policy change was announced via Microsoft’s own Xbox blog by Don Mattrick. It reads:

“Today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

• An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.

• Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.

In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console — there will be no regional restrictions.

These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.

We appreciate your passion, support and willingness to challenge the assumptions of digital licensing and connectivity. While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.

Thank you again for your candid feedback. Our team remains committed to listening, taking feedback and delivering a great product for you later this year.”

Wow, I’ve never seen this in the games industry. Quite amazing what hard push back can accomplish. Today is a big day for consumers the world over.

A report in 2012 revealed interesting statistics about the modern gamer and the increase in adults and women playing computer games. Over half of gamers, the report stated, are over 18 years of age with the average gamer aged 30. The industry’s fastest demographic of gamers are women over the age of 18. This group represents a larger proportion of gamers than the stereotypical game-playing group – boys aged 18 or younger. Even more surprising is the fact that almost half of all gamers – 47% – are women.

This increase in older gamers and women in particular may be down to the changing attitudes of parents towards their children playing computer games. More positive attitudes towards games consoles and games may have persuaded more parents – and mums in particular – to join in gaming themselves. The same report stated that 66% of adults believed that computer games provide mental stimulation or education. Parents may also be joining in with gaming and becoming players themselves as a result of changing attitudes towards the part played in family life – 61% believe that games encourage their family to spend time together.

Another factor contributing to the rise in older gamers may be the recent research reporting the benefits of games for older audiences. A 2008 study concluded that playing computer games exercised the mind and helped to improve memory and alertness. This report differed from earlier studies, as it stated that the benefits of playing computer games were not only immediate, but lasted after game-play had stopped, and transferred to everyday tasks for weeks afterwards.

Strategy games are a great way of keeping the brain active as they involve completing numerous tasks which test brain power, such as mathematic, logic and visual tests, many of which have to be completed simultaneously. It should come as no surprise that more older people are playing video games, and perhaps choosing this form of media over others in an attempt to ‘exercise’ their brains. Statistics from 2011 showed that playing games was more than twice as engaging, compared with other forms of media.

In general, older gamers will have more disposable income to splash out on consoles and accessories than teens, and gaming companies have used this to their advantage. Products are increasingly being aimed at older generations: television adverts for the Nintendo DS for example, featured mature actors Julie Walters and Patrick Stewart to appeal to audiences of a similar age.

The audience for computer games has broadened hugely and now game-play is not solely associated with teenage boys. More women and older generations are enjoying the benefits of playing computer games and the industry is benefitting financially as a result.

– William Cecil

I’m sure you’re familiar with this article. And you must be saying, ‘this guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about’, right? Well, I still stand by my estimates, especially if Microsoft and Nintendo decide to launch their next systems in 2012.

However, even if they did, there is still a way for Sony to win in terms of console install base in this gaming generation. To do that, however, it’d take tireless effort on the giant’s part.

I’m talking under table deals, pulling strings, and buying off executives. In other words, the company from the land of the rising sun with have to play “dirty” if it hopes to breakthrough.

If what I’m about to explain happens, even Nintendo will be left in the PS3′s dust.

China.

With over 1.3 billion people, China is now the ripest market for videogame consoles to launch. The task of launching there has proven impossible, though. Believe me, the three giants have been trying to launch their respective consoles in China for many years now.

Consoles are banned in China because “the government thought that was the best way to protect Chinese youth from wasting their minds on video games, after a parental outcry,” a Niko Partners researcher told Kotaku while the site was conducting an investigation.

The ban has been rendered useless, however, because one year later, “online gaming exploded, and the market size hit $US100 million.”

So what’s a giant to do? With over 1.3 billion people, many of them young and employed, Sony could easily sell 100 million consoles in the country. They must find a way to infiltrate the government. At least Microsoft’s trying.

Executive Zhang Yaqin told the Shanghai Daily (subscription only) that the company still hopes to receive approval to sell the Xbox 360 in country, however “it all depends on the government.”

But I believe it can happen. You know the saying: money answers all things.

If one has enough of it, and is persistent enough, they’ll get through with whatever it is they’re pursuing. And the last time I checked, Sony wasn’t lacking. The returns would do wonders for them, too. Just think about it: tens of millions of consoles flying off Chinese store shelves would ricochet around the company and spread into all its departments. Nintendo and Microsoft wouldn’t be able to keep up. Software would also see a massive boost.

It’s a long short, I know. But one that’s more than worth the effort.

share your thoughts.