Looks like it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the next Xbox will be "always online."

[kane_magus]

"Microsoft Apologizes, But Refuses to Comment on 'Always On'"

"Always-Online, Always Connected Would Be A Terrible Business Decision For Microsoft's Next Generation Xbox"

I'm just going to say this as plainly as I can: Same as with games, I will never buy any console that uses a mandatory "always online" scheme. Optional online features that can be turned off or ignored at my whim without breaking anything is fine, because that's what current consoles use, but if your new console requires it, then you have lost a sale. That is how I will "deal with it."

I haven't yet completely sworn off next gen consoles altogether, mind you, but I'm very close to doing so, particularly if they keep this kind of crap up.

Comments

[owsf2000.livejournal.com]

The thing to think about here, and a reason for alarm I guess, is that they haven't denied the system will be always-online for a requirement.

They've used as an excuse for pushing for it as "Most gamers already are always online - so what's the big deal?"

Indeed. What's the big deal for them to be pushing for it, if most of their user base is already doing it on their own anyway, unless there's something in particular for them to gain out of it. And odds are it's not something that's in the consumer's best interest. The consumer's best interest is to have the option available, but not bricking their system (effectively) by simply having a spotty or non-existent internet connection.

The realistic thing to conclude of course is that they basically plan on using that as DRM the same way EA and others use it on games. (Regardless of their claims to the contrary)

And I have a funny feeling this means that when you take your shiny new game home and put it in your system for the first time, it's going to quietly "register" itself to your gamertag. So if you sell it later on, when the new pops it in, it's going to give an error instead of playing.

Now imagine your delight when you buy that "new" game from Gamestop that was gutted "for display" and take it home and it refuses to play. Heck, let's make it even more likely. When you buy that game online anywhere and get a gutted or resealed game.

"Deal with it."

Yep. I'll just be turning on the consoles I currently own and get back to the backlog.

[kane-magus.livejournal.com]

Yeah, why make it mandatory if most gamers are already voluntarily doing it anyway, if not for some unscrupulous purpose.

"And I have a funny feeling this means that when you take your shiny new game home and put it in your system for the first time, it's going to quietly 'register' itself to your gamertag." Or, worse, directly to the console itself (and to the gamertag on that console, of course). I wouldn't put anything past them, at this point. Anything to kill the hated used games market after all, am I right?