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Xbox Next always online = Fool's game.


On 04/09/2013 at 02:43 PM by brighat

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It never ceases to amaze me how the leader of the current generation goes into the next one full of arrogance. Sony certainly were that way when they were introducing the PS3 and were slapped back into reality. Now it's Microsoft, who always have come off to me as shysters taking advantage of the weak-minded, easily swayed, impressionable people who believe what some "video game journalist" says, turn when Orthy the Orator went on Twitter and blabbed out that you will need to be online at all times to use their next console.

I understand that companies make video games for a profit and they want to maximize it. However, they also have to understand that nobody wants to see video gaming become a rich man's hobby. Many people were furious with the DRM/always online fiascoes that occurred with Diablo III and SimCity. Piracy is still alive and well and none of these companies have made any effort to curtail something that has been around since the 1980's. Forcing people to not be able to buy used games, play everything online at all times and punishing the clean video gamer isn't going to get people on their side. Until the government takes video game piracy seriously and punishes these criminals and anybody who downloads their wares with jail terms, nothing will change.

We are not ready for an online only console. The technology is years away from this reality. Maybe in 2020 or later, we will have perfected the type of broadband or WI-FI that would allow this but in 2013, it's still spotty at best. What about those people in the rural areas who have no reliable Internet? The Xbox Next would be useless to them.

Of course, this kind of garbage happens because we trusted Microsoft. Despite paying for online, paying for battery chargers and paying for proprietary add-ons, we hoped Microsoft would reward their loyal fanbase by giving them a console with flexability. One that would offer a mix of the best of all worlds as Sony is doing. Instead, they are again showcasing their arrogance.

And why not? People are still going to buy the Xbox Next in droves. They are still going to believe in those paid off "video game journalists" who profess that they are in that vocation for love of video gaming. People are willing to pay double for their fun, it's a proven fact. Microsoft, in its position in the U.S. and U.K., think these individuals will always bow down to their brand. However, it is very risky in this day and age to be demeaning, condescending and distrustful of your fanbase, even if a lot of them are pirates and cheaters.

Microsoft, after the backlash, would be smart to re-think their policies towards DRM and being always online. However, they won't and why should they? They have consumers and their wallets wrapped around their finger. Until their diamond ring falls off and disappears forever, why change your image of being a shyster if nobody believes you're one?

Anyway, let's see what happens on May 21 when Microsoft does their Xbox Next unveiling.

I finished Bioshock: Infinite today. From start to finish, absolute perfection. I'm going to wait for the DLC and then attempt 1999 mode. Until then, back to Tomb Raider, Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time and Tales Of Graces F, with a daily game of MLB '13: The Show or two.


 

Comments

transmet2033

04/09/2013 at 03:20 PM

Do want to play bioshock infinite.  The 1999 mode sounds intriguing, I wonder if I have the patience to do it.

brighat

04/09/2013 at 06:16 PM

Not as hard as it seems. If you played the game on Normal, you'll have a good idea of what to expect. 

kungfoomilkman

04/11/2013 at 02:12 PM

I dont think that an always on console is a good idea. I think that if it is though that microsoft will not ban used games. The only reason I say that is because Gamestop would not have given a positive comment about the next xbox if that was true. Regardless of what they do I will wait and see what they have to offer before I make my decision on next gen.

brighat

04/11/2013 at 04:28 PM

Well, they got me now into watching their May 21 presser despite having zero interest in Xbox Next. I want to see what the skinny is on this "always online" plan they have.

The rumors about banning used games is something lost in the furor. I would like to see that addressed.

BrokenH

04/11/2013 at 02:24 PM

Word on the net is Orth is no longer with microsoft. lol. You would think someone involved with public relations and company politics would be more suave and subtle but it's amazing how many idiots get high position jobs.

I've also been wondering if this is some kind of publicity stunt or a way microsoft could test the waters with a sacrificial lamb. After all, all they have to say is "Microsoft does not condone or approve of what was said and we're doing our best to address the problem". Aka, we got Orth to fish for replies about an online only console and now we have our answer we can give him the axe. Companies rather have an individual be liable and take the fall for them.

brighat

04/11/2013 at 04:30 PM

Some people believe Mr. Orth wasn't fired, just relocated elsewhere. Still, Orth knows some people will worship Microsoft and its policies simply out of peer pressure.

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