One of the most worrying rumors surrounding Microsoft’s “Xbox 720″ is that not only will it prohibit users from playing…
One of the most worrying rumors surrounding Microsoft’s “Xbox 720″ is that not only will it prohibit users from playing secondhand games, but that it will require an online connection even if you’re playing single-player games.
Now, two more sources have cropped up claiming that the next Xbox (codenamed Durango) will be an “always-online” console.
While these sources are claiming the Xbox 720 will be able to “tolerate” dropped connections, not having a connection at all will mean that no games or apps can be started. According to one anonymous source, “Unless something has changed recently, Durango consumer units must have an active internet connection to be used.”
So what about that those with intermittent connections or those not on a high-speed subscription? The same anonymous source cites, “If the connection is interrupted then after a period of time–currently three minutes, if I remember correctly–the game/app is suspended and the network troubleshooter started.”
Now, before you grab your pitchforks, keep in mind that other sources familiar with the Xbox 720 have said that they are “unaware” of any Microsoft’s plans for an online requirement. Additionally, some have speculated that this is only required at an operating system level and Microsoft could seemingly tune this with a simple firmware update or networking infrastructure.
But on the other side of the spectrum, a source claims that the “always-online” plan was in effect as recently as two weeks ago.
For now, treat this one as a rumor — but one that keeps rising to the top. Who knows, though? Maybe Microsoft is still debating whether to pull this off or not?
One thing’s for sure, the Xbox 720′s reveal will closely be watched by gamers to spot any signs of this rumor and I honestly don’t blame them.
To read the full report, head on over to Kotaku.
Would you be fine with an always-online console or is Microsoft banking too much on the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE’s success if they think people will let this fly? Sound off and let us know in the comments below.