Xbox One will be region-locked, Microsoft confirms

In news that ought to surprise absolutely nobody, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One will be region-locked, meaning you can't buy games internationally and expect them to work on a console purchased in your home territory.

Speaking with Digital Trends, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that Xbox One will continue the tradition of region locking laid down by the Xbox and Xbox 360.

"Similar to the movie and music industry, games must meet country-specific regulatory guidelines before they are cleared for sale," the representative said.

"We will continue to work with our partners to follow these guidelines with Xbox One."

Microsoft isn't alone in this policy; all Nintendo consoles to date have also been region-locked. The PSOne and PS2 were region-locked, but the PS3 and Vita are not, although individual developers and publishers may choose to enforce a region lock if they wish; very few have taken advantage.

Sony has so far demurred on the question of whether the PlayStation 4 will follow suit, with SCE Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida saying only that he has an answer, but is not ready to give it yet - which could mean anything.

Thanks, GameInformer.