Rumor: Xbox Next to require "always-on" Internet connection, have Blu-ray

According to sources cited by VG247, the Xbox Next (codenamed Durango) will launch in time for the holidays of 2013.

Additionally, the console will come standard with a Blu-ray drive, say the sources.

On a darker note, however, the sources say Microsoft will require an "always-on" Internet connection in an effort to block out piracy. The DRM scheme, which has been seen on PC games from Ubisoft, requires gamers to have an active Internet connection, even if playing in single-player mode.

More notably are the specs expected for the upcoming console. The sources says the machine will have two GPUs, be variants of the AMD 7000 series, but not run in an SLI/CrossFire formation. Instead, the GPUs "will be able to work independently, drawing separate items simultaneously."

Additionally, the new console will have "four or six cores," with one devoted to Kinect and one reserved for the OS.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 2 Apr 2012 22:17

scorpNZ

I wonder what microsoft & the sony boffins would make of this& i assume the games with always on will get cracked anyway:

The Problem with Anti-piracy Schemes
By Stardock's CEO, Brad Wardell

When Stardock was running Impulse, we got to hear a lot from companies regarding to their feelings towards software piracy. In many cases, it was clear that the motivation to stop piracy was less about maximizing sales and more about preventing people who didn't pay for the game from playing it. I felt this was misguided.

When I see our games pirated, it definitely annoys me. I put a lot of myself into our software and seeing someone "stealing" it is upsetting. But at the same time, the response to piracy should be, to paraphrase The Godfather, "Just business". Simply put, the goal should be to maximize sales, not worry about people who wouldn't buy your game in the first place. I've said this in the past but until we were digitally distributing third party games, I didn't realize how prevalent the "stop those pirates" philosophy was.

Part of the problem with piracy is the terminology. There are really two, completely disparate groups that get lumped together. There are the people who just won't pay for software no matter what and there are the people who pirate software out of convenience.

The former group is much larger than the latter but it is the latter group that the lost potential sales really come from. Apple has become the world's most successful company by focusing its attention on the customer experience. iTunes songs don't even have DRM as most would define it today. They focus their attention on people who buy things. I think this is the most profitable way to focus ones efforts.

If game developers can focus more attention on improving their user experience and less on worrying about people who would never buy their product in the first place, I think they'd see their sales go up. That doesn't mean they need to remove all forms of copy protection, rather, they should ensure that whatever they do to protect their intellectual property doesn't materially affect the user experience.

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2.4.2012 22:28 #1

ROMaster2

See Ubisoft for results, Microsoft.

2.4.2012 23:19 #2

21Q

I really don't think they would require an always on connection. Since a lot of people dont connect their xbox to the net anyway. Most do, yes, but there are those that don't as well.

2.4.2012 23:24 #3

plutonash

I hope they don't require an always on internet connection. For the times I forget to renew my gold membership, I like to play campaign games such as skyrim to help pass the time.

"Cable thief is a victimless crime."

2.4.2012 23:30 #4

xaznboitx

HAHAHAHAHA..... no one will be able to play online if the internet is down so ms is heading the wrong direction and if they're talking about their server than if it's down, people still can't play online... stupid move and this better be rumors that never come true!!!

not only that, some people doesn't play or connect online so not sure why they think this a good idea that if it's really true...

if 4th console comes out people bought the 3rd xbox gen system for nothing...

if they want to block privacy, isn't that what acta bill is for?

2.4.2012 23:39 #5

Mr_Bill06

More BS, just like the anti-used games. This is all just here to get a rise out of people. Not everyone has an internet connection or if they do maybe they like taking there system places where there is no net. They would lose a lot of business if this was ever to be used in a console. I can't wait for real info on what's going on so all the trolls can go somewhere else. What's gonna be the next rumor "Xbox Next, PS4 Require Anal Cavity Search Before System Is Turned On"

3.4.2012 08:39 #6

Bozobub

Truth. This move would, in fact, remove much of the attraction of a console: Games that "just work" the 1st time you play them, and every time after, with no configuration or DRM (for legit games) getting in the way.

This idea may have been proposed in a back-room meeting somewhere, but I very much doubt it will come to pass.

3.4.2012 10:40 #7

numscull

I would just be satisfied with an xbox 360 console that would remain "always working" instead of "intermittently broken".

3.4.2012 16:07 #8

GryphB

Sales forecast lower than expected.... No one will want to buy this. In order to use it, you must pay for an additional service(internet) that has to work all the time in order to play. Fail.

3.4.2012 23:43 #9

gnovak1

Actually, whenever i play an xbox game now, it always tells me to log in first in order to save my games. So i always have to log in the internet to play even a single player game.

4.4.2012 17:32 #10

Mr_Bill06

Originally posted by gnovak1: Actually, whenever i play an xbox game now, it always tells me to log in first in order to save my games. So i always have to log in the internet to play even a single player game. Login to a Gamertag is needed to save but it does not require you to be online.

4.4.2012 18:23 #11

gbswales

I think that the response from the game developer/distributor is one of the most reasoned and sensible articles I have seen on the issue of piracy. I wonder by how much the cost of what we buy is inflated by the measures being taken to protect sales that would not have happened in the first place?
I am old enough to remember taping music from the radio and the early days of MP3 downloading on Napster - I dont do it any more because I cant be bothered - have I bought any more as a result - definitely not, I just look for other ways to listen such as radio or internet streaming. If I think something is good enough to justify it I have always purchased it and that has always been the case

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5.4.2012 08:49 #12

Gnawnivek

Originally posted by plutonash: I hope they don't require an always on internet connection. For the times I forget to renew my gold membership, I like to play campaign games such as skyrim to help pass the time. Silver is free and yes, you can go online with it, you just can't play online and some other perks. You don't need gold membership if that's what they mean by stay connected at all time.

Peace!

5.4.2012 10:22 #13

Mez

scorpNZ, Wardell has a grasp on reality while M$ and Sony are too fixed on greed to make smart decisions. They remind me of how some monkeys are caught. You put a peanut in a gourd that the neck is only wide enough to allow a empty hand to pass so when they make a fist on the peanut they can't remove their hand. Many are so greedy they prefer to be caught than release the nut. Wardell would escape while M$ and Sony would be caught.

They will not care that they will lose business if they can foil some free loaders.

5.4.2012 10:27 #14

8686

I don't think they would go as far as to require people to buy their gold membership, just have an internet cable plugged in the back. I tell you something, I rent an apartment in a residential house. I don't have control over the internet and a bunch of times my ISP goes down. If I can't play a single player game because of this I won't buy their console. Period.

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5.4.2012 19:23 #15

Mez

Originally posted by gbswales: I think that the response from the game developer/distributor is one of the most reasoned and sensible articles I have seen on the issue of piracy. I wonder by how much the cost of what we buy is inflated by the measures being taken to protect sales that would not have happened in the first place?
I am old enough to remember taping music from the radio and the early days of MP3 downloading on Napster - I dont do it any more because I cant be bothered - have I bought any more as a result - definitely not, I just look for other ways to listen such as radio or internet streaming. If I think something is good enough to justify it I have always purchased it and that has always been the case #1 probably nothing games are priced on what will sell not what is needed to make a profit. Have you ever heard of a game being reduced because it was so popular?
#2 The media tried to stop tape recorders and VCRs but recording was deemed legal not that the media agreed. They have increased their lobbying and the courts are a bit more on their side.

6.4.2012 11:20 #16

Tarsellis

I hope, especially for their sake, that this IS just trolling. I can 100% guarantee that I will not purchase any console that requires an always on connection, OR blocks used games. Consoles have some conveniences, like my wife can use them, and they're designed around controllers. Sometimes it's nice not to have a keyboard on your lap and to lounge as you play games. But most of my gaming is done on the PC or emulated on my phone anyways. I like the flexibility an operating system provides, and the expandability a computer provides.

I still have not purchased a SINGLE $ony item since their rootkit fiasco a few years ago. I just wish we had consumers in this country that were capable of thought, let alone independent thought. If they'd stick to their principles (I guess they'd have to have some first), and intentionally vote with their wallets, then we could actually make a difference on these mega-corps that see us as chattel to be fleeced.

6.4.2012 11:46 #17

Mez

I am sure they are very serious. They are in it more for the principle than the money. They can't understand someone that pirates because they will never buy the product isn't a loss of income.

6.4.2012 11:50 #18

gbswales

Originally posted by Mez: Originally posted by gbswales: I think that the response from the game developer/distributor is one of the most reasoned and sensible articles I have seen on the issue of piracy. I wonder by how much the cost of what we buy is inflated by the measures being taken to protect sales that would not have happened in the first place?
I am old enough to remember taping music from the radio and the early days of MP3 downloading on Napster - I dont do it any more because I cant be bothered - have I bought any more as a result - definitely not, I just look for other ways to listen such as radio or internet streaming. If I think something is good enough to justify it I have always purchased it and that has always been the case #1 probably nothing games are priced on what will sell not what is needed to make a profit. Have you ever heard of a game being reduced because it was so popular?
#2 The media tried to stop tape recorders and VCRs but recording was deemed legal not that the media agreed. They have increased their lobbying and the courts are a bit more on their side.
the reason courts are "more on their side" is that they have persuaded courts and, more significantly, governments, that their arguments about losing profits are valid. That they have been able to do this says much of the way that governments respond to lobbying and other tactics. Big business is now so corrupt that it is difficult to see why they should enjoy this level of protection. Piracy and trying to maximise profits are morally on pretty much the same level.

The person I was quoting makes valid points about how some businesses have lost touch with the reality of serving customers.

6.4.2012 13:24 #19

MIKYPLUM

I HAVE OWN A NEW GENERATION XBOX AND ONLY PLAY GAMES AS A SINGLE PLAYER,I CAN ONLY PLAY ON IT OCCASSIONALLY, SO IF I AM FORCED TO ONLY PLAY ONLINE GAMES, THAT WILL ONLY PUT GAME SHOPS OUT OF BUSINESS, DUE TO THE COST OF THE GAMES, I TEND TO BUY PRE,OWNED GAMES, SO THAT TO ME IS UNFAIR. IWILL CERTAINLY NOT BE BUYING THE NEW X BOX DURANGO, THAT IS FOR CERTAIN

7.4.2012 12:34 #20

Mez

Originally posted by MIKYPLUM: I HAVE OWN A NEW GENERATION XBOX AND ONLY PLAY GAMES AS A SINGLE PLAYER,I CAN ONLY PLAY ON IT OCCASSIONALLY, SO IF I AM FORCED TO ONLY PLAY ONLINE GAMES, THAT WILL ONLY PUT GAME SHOPS OUT OF BUSINESS, DUE TO THE COST OF THE GAMES, I TEND TO BUY PRE,OWNED GAMES, SO THAT TO ME IS UNFAIR. IWILL CERTAINLY NOT BE BUYING THE NEW X BOX DURANGO, THAT IS FOR CERTAIN All caps is not allowed please check the forum rules.

7.4.2012 12:56 #21

SoulGLOW

isnt durango the code name for a chip they already used in the 360?

7.4.2012 23:21 #22

escuridad7

The Durango not sure why is the same name of a City of Durango in Colorado and also the same name of State in Mexico even Called Durango, well login for online just to play don't sound fun because I never log on online if I want play online I have to go to a friend house, or even I borrow there games when I can't afford but I wait to there is a Deal in Used and New Games, I want is Quality in a system I don't like that they taking off the Quality away and allot features like the the my PS1,PS2 still Works,PS3 lost the OS in the Fat PS3,PS2 feature was remove from the Slim PS3 it just to be more fun back them and The Original Xbox Don't Read Disc the Xbox 360 Break often even the Slim Kinnect some times the Disc get a a circular ring but the fat white hdmi Xbox 360 does not get circular rings but does get over heated and sometimes discs get stock I bought new not refurbished. if there is no quality is garbage, you have to buy a new item because they don't last like they just to My Super Nintendo,Nintendo 64 well I founded in the garbage but does work,Nintendo GameCube I bought New in 2004 still works,Sony PS1 Original Fat Used from Gamestop and PS2 2006 New but open box they still work and my PS3 80GB 4usb ports backward compatible PS1,PS2 came with 3.15 OFW OS,but now I on 3.41 OFW still works but I don't go online becaue I don't have internet but yeah so only that has fail me is Xbox360 HDMI Fat. Hope they put Quality I know cost money I would buy it has Quality that has no problems or other type of defects. I hope there is no need to go online just to play a simple game because that is not great, hope that they don't block to play borrow games from a friend or store used games. I can not say much of Piracy because piracy always is going exits some due for bad and others for good even copying a Music CD or DVD or something similar is called Piracy not matter if you on the Original data or physical item in private or public used and make copy it is piracy, Cassette,CD,DVD and Games even school at work or other; people copies writing or work of some one else.

12.4.2012 15:18 #23

8686

Originally posted by escuridad7: The Durango not sure why is the same name of a City of Durango in Colorado and also the same name of State in Mexico even Called Durango, well login for online just to play don't sound fun because I never log on online if I want play online I have to go to a friend house, or even I borrow there games when I can't afford but I wait to there is a Deal in Used and New Games, I want is Quality in a system I don't like that they taking off the Quality away and allot features like the the my PS1,PS2 still Works,PS3 lost the OS in the Fat PS3,PS2 feature was remove from the Slim PS3 it just to be more fun back them and The Original Xbox Don't Read Disc the Xbox 360 Break often even the Slim Kinnect some times the Disc get a a circular ring but the fat white hdmi Xbox 360 does not get circular rings but does get over heated and sometimes discs get stock I bought new not refurbished. if there is no quality is garbage, you have to buy a new item because they don't last like they just to My Super Nintendo,Nintendo 64 well I founded in the garbage but does work,Nintendo GameCube I bought New in 2004 still works,Sony PS1 Original Fat Used from Gamestop and PS2 2006 New but open box they still work and my PS3 80GB 4usb ports backward compatible PS1,PS2 came with 3.15 OFW OS,but now I on 3.41 OFW still works but I don't go online becaue I don't have internet but yeah so only that has fail me is Xbox360 HDMI Fat. Hope they put Quality I know cost money I would buy it has Quality that has no problems or other type of defects. I hope there is no need to go online just to play a simple game because that is not great, hope that they don't block to play borrow games from a friend or store used games. I can not say much of Piracy because piracy always is going exits some due for bad and others for good even copying a Music CD or DVD or something similar is called Piracy not matter if you on the Original data or physical item in private or public used and make copy it is piracy, Cassette,CD,DVD and Games even school at work or other; people copies writing or work of some one else.
Dude, you ever heard of periods? I can't understand this.

12.4.2012 15:41 #24

Mr_Bill06

Originally posted by escuridad7: Insert wall of text here What are you talking about? MS and Sony are not releasing poorly made products on purpose. I have had many Xbox 360's, in fact I have owned 3. Only 1 failed twice and it was the original Xbox fire breathing one. They have since then fixed the issue, hell my Xbox that I got back after the 2nd time still works to this day. I gave that one away as it was sitting around. It sounds to me you either live in a very hot climate, or just don`t have your system properly vented. I have also owned 2 PS3's and not an issue with either, but I did mod my slim PS3. I cut a hole on the top over the fan because the fan noise was getting on my nerves.

12.4.2012 23:50 #25

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