Sources close to gaming blog Kotaku indicated yesterday that Microsoft’s follow up console to the Xbox 360, codenamed “Durango,” will ship with an always-on internet requirement - meaning that games and potentially other console features won’t function without a persistent Internet connection.
Rumors have swirled regarding Sony and Microsoft’s intentions vis-à-vis a proposed always-on connection system for some time. Blocking used game sales with internet-enabled digital rights management (DRM) is an enduringly popular concept for some publishers, even though the practice seems to ignore that not every user is able to connect to the Internet.
Sony has indicated their recently announced PlayStation 4 will maintain the ability to play games offline. With Kotaku’s source confirming, Microsoft seems to have taken an alternate route.
Initial reaction to this emerging news has not been pretty, with forums and comment boxes full of the passionate rhetoric and pointed opinions that dedicated gamers are well known for.
However, it's is important to note that Microsoft has not yet officially unveiled their next console at this time – that’s being saved for later, some say during a special presentation before E3. There is still time for Microsoft to amend any plans they may or may not have regarding DRM.
What do you think about the possibility of an always-online console?
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