Microsoft has a serious issue when it comes to communication, as we saw with the severe backlash that arose after the company introduced some unique sharing features with the Xbox One, but limited the re-selling and sharing of physical discs. Because that message was poorly communicated, the company had to publicly reverse course and remove the digital sharing option and allow for used games to be shared/sold.
In an interview with Engadget, Microsoft stated that, “functionally, you will be able to do very little without taking the day one update”. So, for those of you without an Internet connection, or if your ISP is offline, it sounds like your Xbox One will effectively be a paperweight.
The reason for this is that the firmware that ships with the Xbox One is not up to date, as they had to finalise the software for manufacturing. In order to update the console to the latest, stable firmware, the day one update is mandatory.
Even though Microsoft has made no secret of the fact that the update is mandatory, we know that there will be some cases where an Xbox One has been purchased for use in a location that does not have a Internet connection and will essentially be a brick even if you have a physical disc. Yes, that’s correct, even with a physical disc, you won’t be able to play with your Xbox One until you run the update.
Microsoft will likely face some backlash over this, and it will surely ruffle the feathers of gamers once again - hardly what the company needs ahead of the launch of a console that has already got so many consumers worked up.
Source: Engadget