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Report: Microsoft Internal Memo: Offline Gaming Should 'Just Work'

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by Mike Futter on May 06, 2013 at 12:53 PM

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In what may finally lay to rest the pernicious "always online" rumor, Microsoft has sent an internal memo to staff that addresses the oft-speculated upon feature. According to the missive, features including single-player gaming and Blu-ray playback will "just work" regardless of connection status.

Included in the list of items that users expect to function without an internet connection (according to Microsoft) is the ability to watch live television. We previously reported on the possibility of Microsoft seeing the new Xbox as a cable box replacement or enhancement. The memo seems to indicate that to be true.

We'll know for sure as early as May 21, 2013, when Microsoft reveals its plans for next generation.

[Source: Ars Technica]

Filed under: News, Microsoft, report, next xbox, always online

Comments

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by Downside Monday, May 06, 2013 at 12:58 PM

Xbox fanboys: That's all the proof I need
Sony fanboys: This is just a rumour
And thus the console wars continue

-TheCommonDan from IGN
by A Pimped Butterfly Monday, May 06, 2013 at 12:59 PM

Well that sucks, but is probably more convenient for alot of other people.
by lovemeorshootme Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:00 PM

Good. This should not be always on. That would be a very, very bad mistake to make.
by brettph3lps Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:03 PM

It's a sad day for the trolling community.
by Ed Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:05 PM

If Microsoft does not require an internet connection to play my single player games, and if they do not go after my ability to trade in my old games to afford new ones, I will happily buy the next Xbox and be a cheerleader for them. Same goes for Sony. If either of them screw with either of those features, it's goodbye. I won't buy a console that doesn't allow me to play the games I've already purchased if I am not connected to the internet, since literally every console and mobile device I own allows me to play all of my non-multiplayer games regardless if I am connected or not.

And taking away my ability to trade in 5 or 6 month old games to help pay for new ones would mean I would only be able to afford a quarter of the NEW games I buy every year as it is, and I have no interest in only playing a quarter of what I do now. I would rather play nothing on consoles and stick to PC and handheld.
by drew_mart Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:06 PM

Pernicious. I looked up that word, and it fits well. :D You need a raise, Mike!

Onto the matter, and I'm one of the Sony fanboys, but this is good news, right? I was starting to halfway consider the possibility of seeing Microsoft go with always-on for everything. What with the Orth guy and Microsoft being all hush hush. Looking forward to seeing more on the 21st, mostly for the new game demos.
Mod

by This World Begins Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:09 PM

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by doomsday1155 Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:12 PM

All that buzz and freaking out for nothing. Well, not nothing, I suppose. We got a message out.
by B00ME Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:13 PM

Doesn't surprise me, never believed the always online rumors to be true. If I'm at a store and I'm looking at 2 consoles on the shelf next to each other, who pretty much have the same features, but one requires an always online connection to play, the other doesn't. I know which one I'd pick, and I know the vast majority of gamers would do the same. It would have been suicide for MS to do that.
by crapgamer Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:14 PM

Internet: "I'm so mad! I wanted it to be always-online so I could be mad about it!" I think any rational person knew it would be like this, Sony fanboys wanted it to be always online because it makes their preferred console look all the better. Turns out these consoles are going to be a lot a like, from the memory, chips, Kinect like camera's, controllers with touch pads and share function. The only differences will be first party games, as 90% of the games will be exactly the same, Microsoft could create some separation with disc based backwards compatibility and the ability to transfer digital arcade games to it.
by Arparagus Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:14 PM

YAY! Now I can get Halo 5!
by Crackmandan Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:16 PM

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't like being told how to use the products I pay for.
by The Destroyer of Controllers, Cody Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:18 PM

I guess we shall see everything soon.
by opposedcrow88 Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:18 PM

This is welcome news but I'm still wary about the rumors that Xbox Live on the next-gen console with cost $15 a month. Either way I'm still leaning heavily towards PS4 simply because of the fact that PSN is free and Xbox Live Gold is not. Microsoft is gonna have to really blow me away during their May 21st event if they want me to even *consider* buying the next Xbox.
by Benny Shores Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:19 PM

Good, having always on would be a nice feature, but it shouldn't be forced on the consumers. I should be like a peripheral to enhance the gaming experience rather than detract from it for those without or with crappy connections.
by Phlarb Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:20 PM

I didn't believe the always on rumor, but thats still an odd memo to send out..
by KayoDot Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:26 PM

They probably changed it after hearing all the backlash.
by theMarriottPlayer Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:29 PM

Damn. Now what am I gonna complain about?
by chiefslayer Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:34 PM

Is it just me or has this been obvious since the start? i dont get the Sony fanboys... Ps4 had the same rumors, but nevermind anything rumor, just think people, WHAT MAKES SENSE. Its really common sense to think they wouldnt possibly do something stupid like make online only. I dunno how people thought its even possible. just use ur brain
by RonnieDion Monday, May 06, 2013 at 01:37 PM

This is great news.