One of Microsoft's few original policies for the Xbox One which proved popular was Family Sharing which allowed system owners to share games with up to 10 people (who didn't necessarily have to be family members), However, the concept was never implemented after Microsoft backtracked and dropped its controversial daily internet checks and game content management system.
Now, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said that Family Sharing may not be completely dead. Speaking to Gamertag Radio, Spencer commented:
“I haven't given up on those ideas. here's some complexity now that you've got these discs around that have DRM that you've got to figure out. But it's definitely part of our map with the overall product.”
DRM would have made it easier for Microsoft to implement family sharing which should still prove possible with digital content even if disc-based titles prove tricky to share.
While dropping Family Sharing was a necessity of the return to conventional game ownership, i.e. you buy the game and you own it, even a partial implementation of it would likely see Microsoft garner significant support from gamers and put pressure on Sony, in particular, to pursue similar policies.
Microsoft has released significant Xbox One updates every month recently and it's possible that Family Sharing is included in the company's "roadmap" for the patches.
