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[Duxxy3]

This is unfortunate, but I won't be surprised if a notable number of developers - who are worshiped by many people here - were all part of the influence.

Oh well, at least now they'll have no scapegoat for poor game sales this time. Or at least, not the most beaten one. Never mind their bloated budgets, uninspired game design, lack of fresh ideas/fun, or stiff competition from other games... they'll be sure to find some other scapegoat to blame poor sales on.

piracy

they'll keep coming up with more excuses

 

[block tower]

PROOF THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY TRUE, at least the always on internet connection part of the rumor..

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/ascend-new-gods-beta-coming-requires-online-connection

IGN recently sat down with DR Albright, founder and president of Signal Studios, who said explained the studio’s upcoming free-to-play XBLA game Ascend: New Gods requires an active internet connection at all time, even to play single-player.

Related, current rumors state that the next Xbox console will require a constant internet connection as well.

According to Albright, this has to do with the fact that “almost everything is hooked into some kind of database that we can just save and export without changing the executable, even content we’re running off of title manage servers,” meaning Ascend is always pinging information off of the server. The reason for this? Signal Studios “can’t authenticate a user without [a connection].” It also has to do with the use of a single in-game currency, Souls. “Ultimately what happens is that you’ve got to connect and collect souls. You may or may not have spent money on those, because we don’t track if you earned them or spent money on them.” It can’t just be saved locally either, as “that’s very easily hackable.”


As to whether it will require Xbox LIVE Gold, Albright said, “That is not up to me, that’s up to Microsoft.”

Ascend: New Gods will enter closed beta in “late spring,” which Albright narrowed down to April/May. While it will be a closed beta, Albright said that they’re hoping “to get as many people in as possible,” to better tune Ascend before its release. This specifically applies to determining how much time should be spent gathering Souls vs. paying for them. The in-game purchase/natural progression system is something “that needs to be balanced and can only really be done in a live environment,” Albright told IGN.

What does this mean in terms of additional content down the line? Albright claims that they “already have a schedule for six months of post-release content”. Currently, the content that will ship with Ascend is called Highlands; with Badlands -- a desert wasteland -- coming three months down the line, and Swamplands after that. This post-release content also includes new modes, such as PvP, and possibly true cooperative play to the asynchronous style currently planned.

Updates may give Signal Studios the chance to bring female characters to Ascend: New Gods, which are currently absent due to the high cost of production.

IGN will have more on Ascend: New Gods later this week, including a deeper dive interview with DR Albright, in which he discuss the issues of the free-to-play model, convincing Microsoft that free-to-play was a good idea, how consoles need to adapt for free-to-play to work, and what he sees to be the future of the market.

 

[Foffy]

Probably already posted, seeing as it was posted 3 hours ago. For anyone that missed it, Jim Sterling wrote a piece about why he thinks the rumors are BS:

http://www.destructoid.com/next-xbox-always-online-blocks-used-games-not-buying-it-244151.phtml



lol

He brings up a good point. If it's not an all-or-nothing approach from the entire industry, it risks rupturing and sectors of it crashing. The problem with a non-used model, similarly to an all-digital model, is whereas other types of services have one "body" to "govern" that material, in the console space there are three. Unless they all said "this is now the norm" you risk making separate markets, and collapsing others (and your own) in the process.

I'm still quite concerned, because publishers have been trying to get away with a lot of disgusting shit lately, and if MS caved on this then so must have Sony, pretty much forcing two-thirds of this industry into such a model. If that's true, either that pays off or creates a glacier for sales to crash into and plummet into the abyss.

 

[Takuan]

As I said before, it's time to push for laws to prevent this sort of thing from continuing to happen across all media: software, movies, books, music, whatever.

I dunno, I'm all for a console industry collapse. I'm fine with PC gaming thriving like never before.

So consoles are just shitty PCs but worse in every way possible.

Well, the cost of entry is lower. Of course the games are more expensive, but you said "every way possible".

 

[Voice of Reason]

PROOF THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY TRUE, at least the always on internet connection part of the rumor..

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/ascend-new-gods-beta-coming-requires-online-connection

Well, fuck.

 

[LyleLanley]

If this is true many gamers will skip xbox3.

The remaining alternatives are PC, PS4 and Wii U. But Sony is nearly bancrupt. So in the end there will be only PC and Wii U. Its like last generation when the really hardcore gamers had a PC and Wii.

This is a quality post.

 

[AppleMIX]

So consoles are just shitty PCs but worse in every way possible.

 

[friskykillface]

sorry to say this since there are developers and etc on here but if this is true for not just the next xbox but also PS4 then i hope every game bombas and sells little, that will be the only way i can try games im not sure of.

i rent and buy used more then buy new, i only buy the games i want day 1.

hmmmmm i hope this rumor is false, i was expecting always online though, but my comcast internet goes dead randomly sometimes :/ bleh

also was expecting blu ray

 

[Ding]

Yeah, I'm not buying much of this "leak". There's no way MS would mandate always-online, and the anti-used game thing would only work if both Sony and Nintendo did it as well.

The "don't program to the bare metal" mandate sounds plausible, if MS wants to offer backwards/forwards/sideways software compatibility.

 

[enzo_gt]

Anonymous sources doesn't mean that people have been sending anonymous emails to Kotaku and Edge. It means that a source that they have trusted enough to publish this(might mean a lot or not depending on the site) have given they the information.

Who are you talking about with "multiple people without credibility"? If you mean Kotaku and Edge it is ok, but if you are talking about the sources than you are the one acting fallacious since they have proven to have the credibility of at least Kotaku and Edge.

Even if Kotaku or Edge trust them enough to publish it, I think it's worthy to put THEIR credibility into question. And always should be. If they're credibility is in question, so is the sources, because they are your only information link to the sources.

At the end of the day, some published rumours are wrong, perhaps even most of them. Which is enough reason for someone not to be making conclusions just because Kotaku and Edge feel they trust their sources. This doesn't even take into account the extra layer of intentional misinformation from both companies even to their own employees and, even deeper, the fact that these rumours are nothing new.

 

[orznge]

I dunno, I'm all for a console industry collapse. I'm fine with PC gaming thriving like never before.

.

 

[BolognaSoup]

All I know is the next gen is going to be a great cure for my backlog.

 

[angelfly]

If any I see games price go the same or higher, this measure isn´t to lower game prices, is to cover high AAA budgets.

Exactly, they'll be able to raise prices and not have to worry about second hand sales as a result. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Orbis and Durango titles were going to sell for $70 a pop.

 

[BeauRoger]

A rumor convinced you, did it? The very same rumor that was linked to Sony mere months ago.

Of course my statement is operating on the assumption that it will turn out that way. Of course im aware that its not in any way confirmed and that the point would be moot if it turns out not to be the case. This thread is discussing that possible reality, within that context.

 

[guek]

If this is true many gamers will skip xbox3.

The remaining alternatives are PC, PS4 and Wii U. But Sony is nearly bancrupt. So in the end there will be only PC and Wii U. Its like last generation when the really hardcore gamers had a PC and Wii.

I always enjoy it when people arbitrarily define "hardcore gamers" hahaha

But hey, I'm with you, PC/WiiU future for me too.

Just to chime in on this whole debacle, it doesn't impact me because I don't buy used games anyway but I definitely see why people would be upset. Will it have a big impact on either company's sales? I don't know, it's hard to say definitively. It makes me wonder if it'd cause gamestop to back nintendo a bit more though.

 

[Interrobang]

So consoles are just shitty PCs but worse in every way possible.

This. Anything that made consoles mildly appealing goes out the window with this.

 

[enzo_gt]

PROOF THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY TRUE, at least the always on internet connection part of the rumor..

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/ascend-new-gods-beta-coming-requires-online-connection

There is no proof here or even implications of such. :/ That "related" line sticks out like an eyesore, and makes it seem like he's talking about next-gen online instead of his current title on XBLA..

 

[Takuya]

PROOF THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY TRUE, at least the always on internet connection part of the rumor..

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/ascend-new-gods-beta-coming-requires-online-connection

:lol

 

[alexthekid]

Even if Kotaku or Edge trust them enough to publish it, I think it's worthy to put THEIR credibility into question. And always should be. If they're credibility is in question, so is the sources, because they are your only information link to the sources.

At the end of the day, some published rumours are wrong, perhaps even most of them. Which is enough reason for someone not to be making conclusions just because Kotaku and Edge feel they trust their sources. This doesn't even take into account the extra layer of intentional misinformation from both companies even to their own employees and, even deeper, the fact that these rumours are nothing new.

Ok then I misunderstood where you where coming from and are agreeing with you.

 

[2MF]

I was already unlikely to buy the next Xbox due to paying for online.

If this is true, that seals the deal (or the "no deal" should I say) for me even though I rarely buy used games.

 

[guek]

Also, remember when Iwata said he didn't believe in a cloud gaming future? Well looks like MS and Sony vehemently disagree, eh?

 

[Baconsammy]

Of course my statement is operating on the assumption that it will turn out that way. Of course im aware that its not in any way confirmed and that the point would be moot if it turns out not to be the case. This thread is discussing that possible reality, within that context.

Within the context of rumors, your reasoning for going with Sony is that Microsoft is blocking your ability to sell used games. The same rumor attached to Sony, who is still the only company that I can recall actually patenting a way to block you from selling used games.

sorry to say this since there are developers and etc on here but if this is true for not just the next xbox but also PS4 then i hope every game bombas and sells little, that will be the only way i can try games im not sure of.

i rent and buy used more then buy new, i only buy the games i want day 1.

I doubt this precludes them from allowing rentals. What would stop them from making IDs specifically for rental copies that work on all devices?

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

This is the future.

Multiplayer online games in which everyone buys their own copy. Why would the developer want that copy to be used?

Smart business decision by MS. Guarantees 1 to 1 sales of units and little deterioration for drop off. price is always determined by the manufacturer and not the market.

Low cost market will be obliterated with this, though I doubt MS cares about selling people hardware as much as they do games and services. I assume Sony either will or has already followed suit.

This also makes moving into the Japanese territory irrelevant. MS knows they won't make inroads there, so why bother. maximize profit at point of sale.

 

[Skiesofwonder]

Kotaku and Edge may not be making it up, but their sources may be, and you have no proof either way that they are or they are not. They are anonymous sources. Like all other anonymous sources, some are right, some are wrong, some contradict eachother.

It's fallacious to believe just because multiple people without credibility are saying something, it is suddenly more likely.

And there is no outright denial because Microsoft does not do outright denials, ESPECIALLY on stuff they haven't announced yet. Why is this so hard to understand? It's not worth their time or effort even if it is false.

Edit: DP

 

[UrbanRats]

I can absolutely see the online only thing being true. There's been so many grumblings over the past few months about MS seeing the Xbox the same way cable companies view a cable box. These things are becoming less and less about simply being pieces of hardware an more about gateways into services and ecosystems. If you don't have access to the Internet, you don't have access to Xbox Live subs, to buying games and content online, to subscribing to any of xboxs partner apps (ESPN, UFC, Netflix, HBO) or buying digital movies and music direct from Microsoft. It's possible these have become such a huge revenue stream for MS that they are fine focusing on that and cutting out the offline gamers who only buy the hardware (which MS sells at a loss anyway) and a few games a year.

But most of that stuff isn't even available outside of the US.

 

[DopeyFish]

PROOF THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY TRUE, at least the always on internet connection part of the rumor..

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/06/ascend-new-gods-beta-coming-requires-online-connection

That's regarding a currency- they can spend in single player so they must be connected to ensure the payments through the souls currency is deducted from their account

Geez

 

[ghst]

Third parties don't operate as a group though. They don't have one representative that would go to Sony and tell them that. Even then I am not sure if Sony would be so eager to respond. It works both ways, third parties aren't in great financial shape either outside of activision. They aren't exactly in a position to be making threats.

at the beginning of a new generation in a fragile climate where two competitors are releasing very similar products at the same time, what EA and activision want is what EA and activision get. are you going to argue even for a second that they won't be bending every sail to push for this?

durango will be rolling in media centre applications and services that sony will have difficulty competing with, if they get the bulk third party support too, it's over.

 

[Boss Man]

So consoles are just shitty PCs but worse in every way possible.

This new consoles stuff is messing with my ability to smell sarcasm on GAF.

 

[tha_devil]

Well personally i think it would be great that if you are plus member you never have to buy online-passes. Or that you can play a certain amount of hours for free (so you can try out the game online properly before dropping another 10 euro).

 

[stufte]

G R O A N. *roll eyes*
I'm sick of this attitude. Why do game devs think they're God sent and second-hand free? I buy a car, I can resell it, I buy a house, I can resell it, I buy [insert anything], I can resell it. But not games? WTF? First sale doctrine applies here my friend, whether you like it or not. And if European Commission is right, resale of digital games is on it's way, too.
So call Gamestop and other folks who live off your work by selling $55 used games next to $60 new in the first week of sale and stop trying to screw the consumer over.

Oh, and I don't even buy second hand games but I fully support the option.

As a game dev of many years, I'd hate to see no second-hand games happen. I want the games that I make to be appreciated well into the future in the same way I appreciate the artistry of snes/nes/etc games of days past. I think the barrier to entry for folks with lesser means will be higher and the exposure of great titles will be lessened. I'd HATE to see this happen just to please some fucking shareholders somewhere who don't give a shit about games.

 

[Gemüsepizza]

This. Anything that made consoles mildly appealing goes out the window with this.

Nonsense. You forgot...

- much easier to use, perfect for living-room

- consoles are cheaper (a PC capable of Nextgen graphics will cost at least 2x times as much)

- no cheaters in online games

- exclusives

...and I am sure there are even more advantages.

 

[Skiesofwonder]

Kotaku and Edge may not be making it up, but their sources may be, and you have no proof either way that they are or they are not. They are anonymous sources. Like all other anonymous sources, some are right, some are wrong, some contradict eachother.

It's fallacious to believe just because multiple people without credibility are saying something, it is suddenly more likely.

And there is no outright denial because Microsoft does not do outright denials, ESPECIALLY on stuff they haven't announced yet. Why is this so hard to understand? It's not worth their time or effort even if it is false.

Right now we have two sources vs. zero with no other gaming news outlets giving conflicting reports of this information. Microsoft has said "we don't discuss speculation blah blah". I see no current reason to act is if the 720 not prohibiting second-hand play is likely.

And Microsoft not commenting because it isn't "worth their time" is bullshit. If this is false, every second this goes unaddress is bad publicity for Microsoft.

 

[NeoUltima]

I guess that could help explain the rumored 8 third party exclusives, if true.

 

[Wynnebeck]

If this is true many gamers will skip xbox3.

The remaining alternatives are PC, PS4 and Wii U. But Sony is nearly bancrupt. So in the end there will be only PC and Wii U. Its like last generation when the really hardcore gamers had a PC and Wii.

? You're kidding right?

 

[D4Danger]

I guess I'll stick with Steam... oh wait, this is exactly what they do.

I don't think I like this industry any more.

 

[Vitacat]

If this article is correct then I will NOT be buying the new Xbox.

No company is going to tell me I can't buy/sell physical stuff that I purchased. Fuck that. It's bad enough that digital is inherently like that.

I just pray that Sony doesn't do this as well on the PS4.

 

[FunkyMunkey]

I guess I'll stick with Steam... oh wait, this is exactly what they do.

I don't think I like this industry any more.

The difference is steam has amazing sales, while MS charges full price on their DD for much, much longer.

 

[Raxus]

Nonsense. You forgot...

- much easier to use, perfect for living-room

- consoles are cheaper (a PC capable of Nextgen graphics will cost at least 2x times as much)

- no cheaters in online games

- exclusives

...and I am sure there are even more advantages.

You're funny.

7/10.

 

[Mononoke]

Piss off GameStop? Hardly anyone likes 'em anyways. Besides, they've been closing hundreds of their stores down. I don't see how GameStop is this threatening force preventing second-hand sales. Wasn't there a report that came out saying that they didn't make near as much money as they have made in the past.

I think he means that regardless of what we think of gamestop - they still are an important part in selling new games. A big retail outlet. Plus the industry semi relies on their pre-order system/model that hypes releases.

So if GameStop goes belly up, theoretically it could hurt game sales and the access people have to in store purchases.

 

[Bgamer90]

And Microsoft not commenting because it isn't "worth their time" is bullshit. If this is false, every second this goes unaddress is bad publicity for Microsoft.

You feel this way now because well... "now" is now.

It has no impact what-so-ever since the system isn't out yet. If it isn't true, all that MS needs to do is give the info about it when they reveal/confirm their new console.


"Unconfirmed negative news 2-3 months before the console is revealed and 8-9 months before the console is actually released? I'm not buying it now!"

How does that make sense?

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Lotta people decreeing they won't buy it. Most of you will change your tune near to launch like you always do.

But most of that stuff isn't even available outside of the US.

XBOX is a US console first and foremeost.

 

[swordsman720]

wow, if those rumors are true, then Orbis in only the sensible choice

And what if Orbis chooses the same path as Durango?

 

[polyh3dron]

what happens years down the line when they shut down support for the console like they did with XBL on the original Xbox?

 

[Uno Venova]

I guess I'll stick with Steam... oh wait, this is exactly what they do.

I don't think I like this industry any more.

I know I don't, the second half of this generation was fucking ugly. it's a sad feeling.

 

[GANGSTERKILLER]

This sounds depressing. I won't buy a single multiplatform game for the next Xbox if true. Sony, don't be stupid, don't block second hand games with PS4.

And Kinect 2.0 is inevitable... Damn it. I just want a real next-gen console with a solid controller without the gimmicks.

Sony, save the core gamer on February 20th. Do it!

 

[Nokterian]

Always online drm..the future is here to ruin your game experience.

If this is true the internet will exploded towards MS. And i will be there eating my popcorn watching the show.

 

[Bob White]

Nonsense. You forgot...

- much easier to use, perfect for living-room

- consoles are cheaper (a PC capable of Nextgen graphics will cost at least 2x times as much)

- no cheaters in online games

- exclusives

...and I am sure there are even more advantages.

Jesus...I don't know shit about hardcore PC making but I built my own PC (tutorial videos), I play it from my couch, it's hooked up to my TV, and I use a 360 controller for all my games.

 

[2MF]

I guess I'll stick with Steam... oh wait, this is exactly what they do.

I don't think I like this industry any more.

Don't get me wrong, I'm also against some of Steam's practices (as the threads on that matter show) and I support the German lawsuits on that matter.

But at least Steam gives you some convenience of digital distribution, if I buy physical I want to be able to lend my games.

 

[Baconsammy]

The difference is steam has amazing sales, while MS charges full price on their DD for much, much longer.

MS charges MSRP, which publishers set. I believe Sony does the same. You'd imagine the frequency of sales on XBL/PSN would change drastically if the sales-model changed drastically.

Jesus...I don't know shit about hardcore PC making but I built my own PC (tutorial videos), I play it from my couch, it's hooked up to my TV, and I use a 360 controller for all my games.

This may represent my future.

 

[TunaLover]

i can't see the system being online-only and no second-hand games. microsoft has to know that's suicide.

the always online thing probably goes hand to hand with the second hand strategy, it could be used to authentify the user´s 720 id/user id, and the game id, all this being stored in MS servers side.