The lights are on
As we get closer to the official unveiling of the next Xbox, more talk circulates about the console. A new round of chatter says that an online connection will be required.
Edge says that sources with good knowledge of the upcoming system say that it will require an online connection, but that physical discs for it will still be sold at retail. If this rumor is true, it would certainly jibe with what we've heard developers talk about when characterizing the next-generation of systems: a gaming environment that is "always on."
The article also mentions the system's prohibition of used games, use of Blu-ray discs, and an upgraded Kinect – stuff we've heard before.
If this always-on rumor is true, while annoying and even a barrier to entry for some consumers, it would seem to fit into Microsoft's stated ambition to make its next system streaming/downloadable media focused.
Email the author Matthew Kato, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
I'm surprised no ones mentioned the Armed Services yet and the fact that they AREN'T ALLOWED to have their machines online...
With the outcry from the community that happened with Diablo 3, I can't see why this would be crossing any company's mind again already. Hopefully it's not true, as the rampant complaining (while justified) is annoying to see everywhere. =P
Better start finding anew hobby then.
I am not afraid to give up on Microsoft the way I have given up on Nintendo and Sony. I still use my PS3, but only when I have to. Don't piss me off in your quest for more money, Microsoft. Don't piss me off.
No, just, no.
I have Comcast, so I would randomly kicked off for reason at times.
Not everybody has a constant internet connection. Why punish the unprivileged in such a way?
I have been a gamer since 1990. I had just learned to talk, both to humans and computers. I have never had a reason not to own a console. Not once. I have also struggled financially and due to the location I live a decent internet connection isn't possible. So with rumours that Microsoft and Sony are both blocking pre-owned games and an always on connection it looks like Nintendo is going to be the only company who will be playing fair by every consumer.
Sure if all pre-owned games are blocked the prices might go down but gaming may very well be taking out of the high street. In the UK we have GAME and CEX primarily. How many of their sales are pre-owned? Could they realistically survive with only new releases? It's hard to see how.
Perhaps gaming was better when it wasn't attracting the masses. A niche rarely gets consumed by the money men in this world. A niche emphasises on the consumer.
Get those petitions ready cause this some ***. Not everyone has a competent IP Provider like everyone at MS. Some of us have Comcast who only when 100% working isn't even worth uttering a word.
At least one of these rumors is true.
It's like the last launch all over again but with the roles reversed-Sony doing all the right things (for once) and Microsoft seemingly doing the wrong ones...
I love the xbox is my fav out of all my other systems but if you cant pay or dont have internet for one reason or the other you cant play your games? thats is just a no, i hope the rumors are false.
I never have the cash to buy new game, THIS WILL SUCK.
I'd rather wait until nation-wide, public wifi is available to everyone before I jump on a console which can't function without a connection. It's not a bad idea, it's just jumping too far into the future to be that useful right now.
I'm ok with the constant online connection, I just want to have used games. If Xbox will prohibit used games, I'm going to start playing PC.
I do gotta say though that if this rumor is true, Microsoft is going to lose a lot of customers. Those that don't have constant Internet and those that just want something to hate about the Xbox (or they're just paranoid and think Microsoft is watching them or something). I guess we'll see.
Dear Lord, then this is a system I will not buy. I do not care if it is $300 cheaper than a Playstation or whatnot.
That's just going to suck if your internet goes down and you can't play anything until it's back up.
What do you mean no used games?! I used to make friends at school by lending and borrowing games!
I will not be able to purchase this console if an always on connection is required. I am still using dialup for internet because that is all that is offered in my area. :(
This seems like a very odd thing. Not everyone has internet connections, or very bad ones, so that would essentially say "sorry you can't get the new system." In addition if they go with the very foolish "no preowned" games then it would harold in the beginning of the end of the video game industry. No preowned would wipe out, gamefly, gamestop and essentially a ton of console sales because people can't be expected to just pay full price for a game without knowing what the quality is.
Hmmm... forced internet connectivity seems like an unfair requirement for non-online gamers, even if they're the minority. Also, wouldn't this make single player gaming more gimmicky, trying to add an online component like leader boards to games that really don't need them?
Well if they want to make it a downloading/streaming machine it better have a huge hard drive =/
IMO "always on" is not the way to go