There has been much confusion and speculation about how Microsoft will handle used games and if secondhand titles will with the upcoming Xbox One console.
Well now, MCV is claiming to have leaked information about Microsoft's used games strategy for the Xbox One, and it is complicated to say the least.
First thing is that gamers wishing to sell their games can only do so in stores that have agreed to Microsoft's terms and conditions, as well as integrating themselves into Microsoft's cloud-based Azure pre-owned game system. Then, Microsoft will officially declare the game as sold, and the game will be wiped off of the user's account, hence why the Xbox One will need to check into the Internet once every 24 hours.
Following all this, when that used game is sold again to a new user, Microsoft's program will ensure that the game's publisher will get a percentage of the sale, whatever it may be, with the actual store getting the rest. This cut in the sale is rumored to be around ten percent. In addition, used games for the Xbox One are rumored to have an activation fee, which is supposedly around 35 Euros, which would be about $52. This may end up being an all inclusive price for a used game, as that fee will not be an extra fee, but be part of the attraction to buy the game. Still, this would effectively kill any sort of economic advantage for buying used games, and the only entities that would benefit from a system like this would be Microsoft and their partners.
We shall have to see if this is indeed how Microsoft will handle used games in the future, or this is yet more speculation about the system that will be rendered false.
It should be pointed out that Sony and the PlayStation 4 have no such plans to inhibit used-game buyers.