Xbox One publishers can block pre-owned sales

Publishers of Xbox One games will be to block the resale of used games, Microsoft has revealed.

The console manufacturer has said it will not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers or consumers for enabling the transfer of pre-owned titles.

It will however enable publishers to decide whether there are fees associated with the resale of a title. Publishers will be given the choice to allow a game to be sold on, or to set up special new business terms or transfer fees with retailers for such a resale.

Microsoft said it will not receive any compensation as part of this scheme.

At least at launch, loaning and renting games will not be permitted at launch, but Microsoft is currently "exploring the possibilities" with its partners.

Despite this however, Microsoft claimed owners will be able to give a disc-based game to their friends, and that there would be no fee for such a transfer. But this kind of transaction will only be able to take place once, and the game can only be given to someone who has been your friends list for at least 30 days.

Up to ten family members will be to log in and play from a user’s shared games library, and this can then be played at a friend’s house without an extra fee.

"In our role as a game publisher, Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers," read a statement from Microsoft.

"Third-party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends."