The lights are on
The "always online" controversy seems to be rolling forward with new comments from a major publisher. In an interview with The Guardian, Ubisoft Montreal CEO Yannis Mallat answered a number of questions about preparing for the next generation of consoles.
In responding to questions about hardware that requires a consistent connection to the Internet, Mallat had some surprising things to say. The furor over former Microsoft creative director Adam Orth's statements in response to rumors that the next Xbox would be an "always online" device has barely died down. Now, Ubisoft is lending credence to the speculation.
When asked if we are prepared for this requirement, Mallat stated, "Well, that's a question you should put to Microsoft and Sony! I would say that a lot of people are already always online through other devices – I would suspect that the audience is ready."
This follows a question in which the interviewer specifically brings up the botched launch of EA's online only SimCity and consumer concerns about a similar necessity for hardware. Mallat replies, "The answer lies in the question – as soon as players don't have to worry, they can only take into account the benefits that those services bring."
Just this weekend, Xbox Live suffered a number of problems that resulted from routine maintenance. Players were unable to sign into their accounts or communicate with friends. Offline play wasn't affected, but should the next Xbox require an active connection, even solo gaming might not be possible in a similar situation.
Whether Mallat's statements are his own or the official stance of the publisher isn't clear. We've reached out to Ubisoft for clarification.
[Source: The Guardian]
Really Ubisoft? when the hell you see the internet as "safe" unless your born yesterday internet is the worst on never having everything private so I boo you for thinking always online is a good thing.
Wow. Ubitronic Arts is thinking we're ready for this crap? I'm calling major bull crap, right there!!
I have a good internet connection, but I hate and don't buy games which require me being online all the time. Vote with your wallets!
An acquaintance of mine put it best, I think:
"'Being online' is not the same as 'mandatory online'.
"Do I like a car, fridge or toaster that can go online? Sure. Do I want a car, fridge or toaster than can only WORK if they are online? No way.
"Able to go online is a benefit. To not able to use something unless it is online is NOT a benefit."
Especially considering that anyone who likes the idea of a console that is inoperable unless it's online obviously assumes -everyone- has rock-solid links with five-9 uptime. And we all know the saying about assuming, no?
Only if you don't raise game prices, you selfish sits.
To Mike Utter:
Xbox Live being down did affect offline as I couldn't play my AC3 save as Uplay tied me to online to load my save (which I didn't know until I tried to play). I was not happy!
Are you kidding me?! This is so stupid. No one wants an always online console. This is going to kill Microsoft in the gaming industry, and ya know what? I'd be perfectly okay with that. Microsoft has been making really stupid choices video game wise, and they need to go at this point. PS4, here I come. Not only that, but Microsoft gets more money than the poor people in Boston who lay on benches can even imagine to get, and they can't deal with a few little pirates? So they go and alienate everyone. Sounds like a good idea, Microsoft.
I have only this to say:
Yar har, fiddle dee dee, being a pirate is alright to be. Do what you want cause a pirate is free, you are a pirate.
Hang on, guys. All this is saying is that he thinks us, as gamers, would be able to adapt to an always-online console. He isn't saying that it WILL or WON'T happen, nor is he saying that Ubi. Montreal would or would not force online DRM if it won't work on Ubi. titles for PS4 or the Durango.