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[BRocknRolla]

I am intensely interested in the eventual Xbox announcement. So many rumors swirling around, and some of them seem so crazy. I just don't know what to believe anymore.

The real kicker though is that even if MS does announce in the near future, I bet we'll get very little light shed on a lot of this stuff. Hardware specs? Bet we get very little info unless it's better than the PS4. Information about required connectivity? I bet they never say it outright, only hint at it with information about "services." Used games? You can bet they won't say a damn word about it until the last possible moment if it blocks them.

Sit back folks, we're in for a long wait no matter what.

 

[BruceLeeRoy]

Makes you wonder though if this rumor is true, then why do it if you weren't also blocking used game sales. Which then makes you wonder what did they tell Gamestop to get them to stop worrying about that?

Yeah I was just thinking that same thing. What in the world is going on. So many conflicting pieces of flimsy info.

 

[Pharaoh 117]

This is one of the dumbest things MS can do. I refuse to believe it until it's 110% confirmed.

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

All this really means right now to me is that I have even more time to save up before I buy their next system.

If this ends up a nightmare for customers, they will either find a way to make it work, or recant. I can see them dumb enough to go through with this, but not dumb enough to let it take down their entire Xbox division.

I'm still waiting for MS to come up with an exclusive IP I want anyways.

 

[MCD]

Yeah I was just thinking that same thing. What in the world is going on. So many conflicting pieces of flimsy info.

It's simple. There is no new Xbox and people are making shit up as we go.

 

[Reiko]

Interesting.

EDIT:

WTF... Now my Avatar and tag is ruined.

 

[Beer Monkey]

Makes no sense at all for that to happen for just devs.

It would be a good way to track devkits that have ended up in unauthorized hands.

 

[Omegasquash]

This is one of the dumbest things MS can do. I refuse to believe it until it's 110% confirmed.

I'm approaching with skepticism, personally. I don't know that they'd be that mean (which is what it is, really), and I don't think they're stupid.

 

[Starbuck2907]

I doubt this rumor is true. I also doubt that the difference between MS's hardware and the PS4 is as big as rumored to be. That Xbox hardware info is really, really old at this point.

However, the only thing that worries me, really, is that Microsoft has really been in a very "fuck you" mood toward consumers lately. Windows 8 forcing Metro on users and getting rid of the start button, for example, were clear "fuck you" moves to the market and an attempt to FORCE consumers to get used to the Metro interface so they might find Windows 8 tablets and phones more acceptable, as well as increase sales on Windows from the Windows 8 app store. They were salivating over those Apple App Store profits. (This isn't an attempt to troll Windows 8, but really, retrofitting a touchscreen interface to work with a mouse and ditching the start button while still including desktop mode screams "fuck you!")

So, really, I don't think this will turn out to be true, but on one hand, with Steve Balmer running the show and the increasingly crazy management decisions at MSFT, I wouldn't rule it totally out.

edit: They're trying to copy Apple's business model in the app store and OS marketing (wanting to introduce yearly windows upgrades), and they probably saw Valve in the PC gaming space and said "Hey, Valve can do always online DRM, why can't we?" and just didn't bother to think about Steam's offline mode.

 

[Interfectum]

Fo them to tie the system up to be 100% online makes me assume they have some really interesting stuff planned that I am pretty excited to see but there has to be a offline mode.

Got to say news like this makes me extremely curious what their overall Vision is.

Eh... I think it's pretty easy to guess what they got planned. Tons of social connectivity. Watch your friend play a game, post shit on Twitter, perhaps stream a movie on netflix to another device while playing a game, etc. Tons of social trappings to make you invested in your Xbox Live community. I doubt it effects actual gameplay all that much.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

Makes you wonder though if this rumor is true, then why do it if you weren't also blocking used game sales. Which then makes you wonder what did they tell Gamestop to get them to stop worrying about that?

Gamestop will receive a bigger share of the revenue from games sold? They'll perhaps also receive a bigger share of revenue from each console sold, each activation key sold, each sub sold, etc.

 

[Mxrz]

Next up: Some games will require Gold.

 

[Tallshortman]

It's simple. There is no new Xbox and people are making shit up as we go.

Apparently so is Microsoft.

 

[inky]

So are a lot of devices in my house, why should a game console be an exception. How useful is an internet browser without internet? It's a new paradigm shift with Durango, it's catching up to the always-connected nature of devices we have all around us.

LMAO, How stupid is that comparison. Answer:

Spoiler

very, very stupid

It's almost akin to Arthur Gies proclaiming Sim City can't be an offline game because all the multiplayer features require you to be online.

Some of you guys, seriously....

 

[ironcreed]

Makes you wonder though if this rumor is true, then why do it if you weren't also blocking used game sales. Which then makes you wonder what did they tell Gamestop to get them to stop worrying about that?

It indeed has me scratching my head. The fact that Gamestop seems satisfied kind of points things in another direction. Too much confusion, so I am just going to take all this noise in stride until we know for certain.

 

[SolsticeZero]

Gah you stoles my avatar

We should totally hang out now

EDIT: I flipped it to make it more unique.

 

[Baconsammy]

I am intensely interested in the eventual Xbox announcement. So many rumors swirling around, and some of them seem so crazy. I just don't know what to believe anymore.

The real kicker though is that even if MS does announce in the near future, I bet we'll get very little light shed on a lot of this stuff. Hardware specs? Bet we get very little info unless it's better than the PS4. Information about required connectivity? I bet they never say it outright, only hint at it with information about "services." Used games? You can bet they won't say a damn word about it until the last possible moment if it blocks them.

Sit back folks, we're in for a long wait no matter what.

The Nintendo approach. We literally found out that their "new" account system was still tying our purchases to hardware on the day it came out. I doubt MS could get away with this for that long. Once they announce the console, devs are going to talk. It doesn't surprise me that devs knew nothing about the Nintendo plan, but I'd be surprised if they dont know everything about this (it was covered at X Fest, where apparently these rumors emanated).

 

[FordGTGuy]

Who says this is sensationalist bullshit? Not the first time we've heard this rumor.

Just because something is said over and over doesn't make it true, that would be a logical fallacy.

 

[Mooreberg]

Sounds too dumb to be true. It would kill any chance of me buying one. They really need to unveil this thing soon, because this is turning into PSN outage levels of press speculation in the absence of actual news.

Unless there is in fact fire to follow the smoke... that press conference thread will be a laugh riot when not returning 404 errors.

 

[8byte]

I don't understand why MS is so silent with regards to this?! Clearly everyone knows they have a reveal for new hardware (they've even said it at some point, I think) so why not dispel these rumors if they aren't true? I just don't understand.

I think there are 3 scenarios here.

1) These are 100% accurate.
2) MS is silent because they are trying to remove it prior to reveal.
3) These are false, and MS is silent to spur a resounding "thank goodness" among fans.

 

[Alebrije]

No. 1 : Not all territories are prepared for an "always online" stuff

No. 2 : If MS goEs with this idea they MUST label the games with somehting like : "Internet required to play this game" and it needs to be a big label that everyone can notice.

If this rumor becomes true MS will lost a lot of user at Latinoamerica and in some european countries. Since Japan is for Sony and Nintendo only U.S. could keep loyal to MS.

 

[Syriel]

Makes no sense at all for that to happen for just devs.

Yes, it does. Especially if you are trying to control leaks.

The 360 generation was notoriously leaky when it came to dev hardware. Just look at how many show up on eBay and the years of PN leaks.

Online requirement for dev hardware makes it useless if stolen.

Sony does this with the Vita dev kit, though its authorization cycle is 90 days. If not reauthorized via a license server the dev kit looses most functionality,

 

[DesertFox]

I know what the rumors are saying, I'm asking if you really think they'll do it.

I certainly hope not... like I said earlier, I'm sure this wouldn't be a huge issue most of the time, as my internet has been rock solid for the last 4 years. But I know that the day I buy this console that requires connection to authenticate, that's when a utility worker who's a trainee on the job will cut my street's cable. "Ooops! We'll have it back up in two weeks!"

And as I said earlier, in that case I'd just turn my smartphone into a mobile hotspot to authenticate, but multiplayer on a cell network? I don't think so...

 

[Fox_Mulder]

I'm starting to have a feeling this is bullshit.

*

Why should they do this thing? It's stupid

 

[Pyramid head]

So are a lot of devices in my house, why should a game console be an exception. How useful is an internet browser without internet? It's a new paradigm shift with Durango, it's catching up to the always-connected nature of devices we have all around us.

I can call people from my phone with no connection to the internet.

When I press down a key on my synthesizer, a note sounds with no connection to the internet.

My microwave heats food to an edible state with no connection to the internet.

I am able to deposit faeces into my toilet and flush it away with no connection to the internet.

My Xbox 360 plays games with no connection to the internet.

My PC plays games with no connection to the internet...

...is what I would type if I wasn't certain your posts are an attempt at satire.

 

[infinityBCRT]

Yeah I was just thinking that same thing. What in the world is going on. So many conflicting pieces of flimsy info.

Yeah. I'm only second guessing Kotaku here because of the XDK text that vgleaks posted could easily be misinterpreted as always online, and the fact that devkits having always online doesn't mean that retail games would. And thirdly, it sounds *insane*.

Even the 3 minutes thing doesn't sound right-- currently MS gives 10 minutes for you to log back into Xbox Live if you've been disconnected while playing a game that requires you to be logged in (such is the case while playing digital games that your console doesn't have the license to but your gamertag does).

 

[Interfectum]

I don't understand why MS is so silent with regards to this?!

Microsoft wants to be like Apple. They aren't going to respond to the peons. Things like PAX, GDC, the PS4 reveal, Kotaku news posts, etc won't even make them blink. They have bigger fish to fry and they are going to use the Xbox as the cast iron skillet. (I just made that up.)

 

[sflufan]

The current speculation is that the next Xbox would block used games, but authorized resellers like GameStop would be allowed to unlock used games in exchange for a fee to Microsoft. This would keep retailers in the loop, but would cutoff casual game trading or selling used games through eBay and Craigslist.

OH COME ON!

Let's try to keep our speculative bullshit grounded in some form of reality, ok?

 

[FordGTGuy]

I don't understand why MS is so silent with regards to this?! Clearly everyone knows they have a reveal for new hardware (they've even said it at some point, I think) so why not dispel these rumors if they aren't true? I just don't understand.

I think there are 3 scenarios here.

1) These are 100% accurate.
2) MS is silent because they are trying to remove it prior to reveal.
3) These are false, and MS is silent to spur a resounding "thank goodness" among fans.

You can't comment on the features of a console that hasn't even been announced yet.

 

[NullPointer]

1) These are 100% accurate.

Makes me think of the slowly unfolding process of discovering that Halo 4 had taken more than a little COD into its core designs.

We didn't want to believe it.

I expect there to be plenty of clarifications and 'we're still in the process of developing it' etc

 

[Penguins&PolarBears]

How the fuck is playing a game without being online the stone age?

Are Blu-Ray movies the stone age now?

Should my Kindle have to be online before I can read a book? Should my iPod have to be online before I can listen to a song?

Are you trolling?

Optical discs are the stone age to me. So yes. The only movies/TV shows I've purchased in the past 5 years reside in the cloud and can be accessed from any Internet connected device.

Netflix requires online connection to watch movies yet their streaming service is much more popular than their disc by mail service.

Also iPod and iTunes are outdated, everyone is moving to streaming music services like Spotify/XboxMusic/Rdio.

So yeah you have an outdated view on technology, you are not up to date or aware of how devices are trending.

 

[BRocknRolla]

I don't understand why it would "fly in the face" of a hardcore push. If he's implying that hardcore gamers wouldn't stand for that, ok I guess, but I don't think most gamers, hardcore or otherwise will probably stand up to it.

Even more than that though, what Microsoft defines as "hardcore" is probably Halo and CoD players, which for most means online multiplayer, which of course means an internet connection. Ergo, in MS marketing speak, "Always connected is a benefit for the 'hardcore.'" So, I guess I'm not buying the argument.

 

[Alebrije]

I can call people from my phone with no connection to the internet.

When I press down a key on my synthesizer, a note sounds with no connection to the internet.

My microwave heats food to an edible state with no connection to the internet.

I am able to deposit faeces into my toilet and flush it away with no connection to the internet.

My Xbox 360 plays games with no connection to the internet.

My PC plays games with no connection to the internet...

...is what I would type if I wasn't certain your posts are an attempt at satire.

Do not forget we can take a shit with no connection to internet. : P

 

[Grimsen]

Next up: Some games will require Gold.

You mean like Happy Wars?

 

[shinobi602]

Makes me think of the slowly unfolding process of discovering that Halo 4 had taken more than a little COD into its core designs.

We didn't want to believe it.

News to me.

 

[Celegus]

If this is actually true, why was the Gamestop CEO talking it up so much the other day? Seems like that's not going to be doing them any favors.

I don't mind though. Let the PS4 clean house and dominate the market this go-around.

 

[NullPointer]

Do not forget we can take a shit with no connection to internet. : P

He didn't.

News to me.

I'll add you to my newsletter.

 

[Baconsammy]

Microsoft wants to be like Apple. They aren't going to respond to the peons. Things like PAX, GDC, the PS4 reveal, Kotaku news posts, etc won't even make them blink. They have bigger fish to fry and they are going to use the Xbox as the cast iron skillet. (I just made that up.)

Well they are a lot like Apple now in that they can't announce anything until contracts get signed. That's why we've heard nothing from Apple about their new music service or TV service. I imagine Microsoft is signing a bunch of similar media deals for the new Xbox.

 

[Laranja]

I'm approaching with skepticism, personally. I don't know that they'd be that mean (which is what it is, really), and I don't think they're stupid.

Precisely. Risking getting their hands on a Sim City-like scenario, only hundreds of times bigger would be quite a stupid thing to do.

I don't think they'll do it, but who the fuck knows?

 

[joeposh]

If this is true, I'm out. I've loved my 360 and it quickly supplanted any other consoles in my home, but I like to take my console with me to my grandparents place over the holidays or to a cabin in the summer, places where I don't have an internet connection. Yes, it's not the majority of my gaming time, but there's no way I'm going to endorse this unnecessary limitation with my hard earned cash.

I've never purchased a Playstation product, but will happily give them my money next generation if Microsoft goes through with this arrogant strategy.

 

[Kusagari]

If this is actually true, why was the Gamestop CEO talking it up so much the other day? Seems like that's not going to be doing them any favors.

I don't mind though. Let the PS4 clean house and dominate the market this go-around.

They have no reason to care about always online if used games are allowed.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

Does always online means that everyone has to pay for Live?

 

[BRocknRolla]

The Nintendo approach. We literally found out that their "new" account system was still tying our purchases to hardware on the day it came out. I doubt MS could get away with this for that long. Once they announce the console, devs are going to talk. It doesn't surprise me that devs knew nothing about the Nintendo plan, but I'd be surprised if they dont know everything about this (it was covered at X Fest, where apparently these rumors emanated).

True. No doubt it's tough to get devs to toe the company line so that information will probably get out, but I still bet MS keeps pretty mum about most of it and just deals with negative PR as it comes in, given most consumers won't know unless MS says it themselves.

 

[enzo_gt]

Fo them to tie the system up to be 100% online makes me assume they have some really interesting stuff planned that I am pretty excited to see but there has to be a offline mode.

Got to say news like this makes me extremely curious what their overall Vision is.

I have a feeling it's Miiverse on crack, as well as better XBL integration across games. And I'm okay with that, cause Miiverse is one of the few things Ninty did right with Wii U. With Sony having its own integrated network, I've no doubt MS has been on this for a while.

I visualize that with Durango's ability to switch between multiple active running games and apps, as well as dedicated RAM for the OS we're going to see crazy stuff like jumping straight into friends games. Potentially we can even choose what games are queued up too.

But, of course, the negatives far outweigh the positives for me if it fucks with my consoles basic ability to function when it's dependent on *another* infrastructure.

 

[Askherserenity]

To some of the people saying that this is all just bullshit & rumors, by now, there has to be some validity to these things. Numerous times and numerous sources have mentioned the exact same thing. Even some of the supposed features of the system itself would make sense with the always on connection.

I myself am pretty happy that I will only have to buy a PS4 this gen.

 

[Neuromancer]

Does always online means that everyone has to pay for Live?

No I'm sure there will be tiers.

 

[NullPointer]

Got to say news like this makes me extremely curious what their overall Vision is.

I imagine some hellish Facebook meets Cablebox with Kinect-enabled ads and ad tracking and some kind of OS level auto-log/community features across everything whether you'd like it or not.

Oh and it probably plays games.

Just a feeling, deep in the gut.

 

[Coulomb_Barrier]

I have a Chromebook and use it offline all the time.

I wouldn't have bought it if I couldn't.

Yeah and presumably there will be some kind of offline mode for the new Xbox.

My point was a Chromebook doesnt make sense unless you have an internet connection.

 

[ekim]

It this turns out to be true then there is more behind it unless MS simply wants to annoy users. Maybe some off-tv play functionality for your smartphone/tablet/W8-Laptop - but even then it should be an option and not mandatory.

 

[Laranja]

To some of the people saying that this is all just bullshit & rumors, by now, there has to be some validity to these things. Numerous times and numerous sources have mentioned the exact same thing. Even some of the supposed features of the system itself would make sense with the always on connection.

I myself am pretty happy that I will only have to buy a PS4 this gen.

Still, if Microsoft were to implement this shit successfully (as in, with little to no hiccups and no consumer uproar), it would set a terrible precedent for the whole industry. I think that if that were to happen, Sony would gladly jump on the bandwagon with their next console.