Xbox One games will not be region locked

Games launched on the new Xbox One system will not be restricted through region locking, Microsoft told Eurogamer following the recent announcement that the console's release is delayed in eight countries across Europe.

This provides a workaround for those in countries where the console is delayed.

"When the console launches this November, we will support Xbox One in 13 markets. Xbox One may be used in all countries, including the non-launched markets. In addition, Xbox One games are not region locked. Any Xbox One game purchased at retail can be used in any country on any Xbox One," said Microsoft in a statement.

"That said, there needs to be a valid payment method corresponding to a supported launch country in order for any transactions to occur over Xbox Live, and some content may not be accessible outside launch markets due to geographic content restrictions imposed by content right holders."

The delay of Xbox One in eight markets is the result of implementing voice support for a number of languages into the dashboard, Microsoft director of marketing Albert Penello confirmed in a statement on NeoGAF.

"This was simply a software issue in terms of getting local language and voice support in the dash. It's pretty straightforward, but disappointing I know for people who are missing launch."