The Internet in the U.S. isn't built for an "always on" game console

NeoWin - Before we get into this topic, here's a brief qualifier: Microsoft has not yet given an official comment on what they plan to do for their next Xbox game console. This editorial is not assuming that Microsoft's successor to the Xbox 360 will in fact need an 'always on" Internet connection to play games or run its apps.

[MariaHelFutura]

Do people just forget the rest of planet earth exists?!?

[GreenRanger]

The author can only speak for his own country.

[MariaHelFutura]

I guess so. Usually people in the gaming industry speak for everyone. It through me off. :)

[JsonHenry]

Do people just forget America is one of the largest markets for almost any consumer device? If it fails here it probably means disaster for the company promoting it.

And the author is right. We may have some markets that might be okay with an always connected console. But I know I will not bother buying the Xbox if this is the case. Not because I don't want it. But because I want to be able to use reliably what it is I purchase.

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Asia and Europe is Bigger than america last time I remembered. Because we have larger continents that Supports gaming as their media also. But you are correct its "One" of the biggest

[JsonHenry]

It is "the" largest of the markets on almost all fronts - http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

Numero uno. For now.

[Cocozero]

This is becoming News 4 720. At this rate MS won't need an ad campaign.

[MariaHelFutura]

Why are so surprised? An employee just came out and basically said "If you don't have the internet, deal with it"" and MS has not shot down his comments in a way that doesn't announce their unannounced system. Like, "we would never do that". If they said that, all this negativity regarding this issue would cease to exist quickly. Thus, constantly having negative articles with some merit to them is not the type of advertisement any company wants, ever. That scenario is is confined to your imagination, like how you think the 360 has sold more than the PS3 this generation... which is simply not true.

[stage88]

There's a difference between positive news and negative news. This is doing MS a huge amount of harm.

[amiga-man]

And Sony a huge amount of good, PS4 was already looking a great buy but with the huge negativity surrounding the nextbox the PS4 is looking the better option everyday.

[Blaze929]

you all act like the entire world spends their time on the internet. To the people who really matter and majority of average consumers - the day the next Xbox is revealed will probably be the first time many of them are even hearing about a new xbox coming.

[MariaHelFutura]

^^^

My son and his friends at school know all about both systems. Rumors and facts. On the internet news real or fake spreads like wildfire. The "always on" comments by Adam Orth were on the front page of Yahoo.

[B1663r]

No it isn't. This concept is garnering a huge amount of comments from trolls. The vast majority of people in the world dont mind internet connected devices the way you guys do, and this issue will have no affect on them what so ever.

[BitbyDeath]

Is too bad the PS4 isn't yet available everywhere for pre-orders otherwise it'd be going through the roof with everyone switching to it.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

News 4 720? What "news" are you referring to? Are you really suggesting these negative RUMORS are a suitable ad campaign replacement for MS?

[MasterCornholio]

Why would anyone have an ad campaign that involves negative news about their console?

For example, imagine if Nintendo had an ad that stated that the Wii U will be an inferior console compared to other next gen systems like the PS4 and the 720 imagine how much damage it would cause to Nintendos console.

Seriously whats the point of this?

[Jakens]

They did and they have released said console...

OT: MS better come on stage and address this always on thing first. To a positive point and not a negative one.

[andreasx]

it's not built like that anywhere

[Hellsvacancy]

Its not going to happen, im well tired of this now

[EffectO]

Maybe MS realized that traditional console industry is a sinking burning ship threatening to explode any second so they are jumping ship to safer waters?

Small userbase but always connected/Gold subscribed.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

MS is going to primarily target the Wii demography with their next console
+
Constant Internet connection required for the console to work

Where could it possibly go wrong?

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Guys Off topic question: Would you say a console is the worst just because of patches and loading times?? A guy here at N4g strongly believes so. Well maybe I should pay no mind to Trolls and delusional people. Im not saying what console hes referring to but it doesnt matter anymore I think. I just want to know what you guys think?. Reasoning with this guy is like reasoning with a "Wall"

[jay2]

World wide, we won't be ready for always on for 10+ yrs.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Its the rural areas of the u s that has the worst intrnet service.

[Gamer-40]

Always-online true..
Microsoft huge fail next-gen, many X360 owner buy PlayStation 4.

[Spore_777]

Here in Africa, even cities have slow and expensive Internet connections. Therefore, MS risks losing that clientele. However, it seems as though it is not such a big deal to them. Sadly, it is for a few of us African gamers. Looks like my secondary console will be the Wii U. PlayStation is very popular here and I am relieved the PS4 will not require a perpetual connection to function... I feel terrible for my friends who prefer the XBOX.

[Cam977]

I guess the next Xbox is dead before it left the factory.

[Gamer-40]

Not impossible.
Microsoft no response many negativity news and rumors, terrible marketing, terrible.

Maybe Microsoft in big trouble:(

[mt]

because if they response to the "rumors" then it means they confirm the nextbox, and I think they are saving it for E3 regardless of all the negative rumors surrounding the nextbox

[guerojose]

It's obvious what they're after: total control over what games you play, what content you access, when and how. A constant stream of data they can sell to publishers, advertisers, etc. I'd be more upset about the mandatory Kinect - having a camera constantly monitoring everything you do in your home. I'm sure it all looks like the holy grail from their side; we'll see if they pull the trigger and make this suicidal call.

[dcbronco]

I'm assuming the Arsenal badge means you're in the UK( though I know it doesn't because I'm a fan too-ARSENAL...ARSENAL). I have bad news for you though. Your set-top cable box has been tracking you for years. So has your browser(TOR?). Cellphone and a bunch of other devices.

I don't know the laws in the UK, but I assume you can't just set up cameras in peoples houses. Regardless of the set-up in your public spaces. In the US, that would be totally illegal. People that were up in arms in the US are so silly. Love that US education system.

In the US we use discount cards at the grocery store. I met a guy that worked for the company that developed the cards. He said the eventual plan was to sell your information to everyone. Companies like your insurance company. You buy a lot of alcohol, car insurance goes up. A lot of junk food, health insurance goes up.

But trust me, Kinect watching what goes on in your house would quickly lead to lawsuits that would relieve MS of billions of their savings. Kinect will never spy on you.

[MariaHelFutura]

Not entirely disagreeing w/ you. But, MS has filed for the Kinect to watch you for marketing purposes.

[dcbronco]

Even that in the US would be illegal. They can not watch you at all. They could add something in the terms of use, but that would be another console killing rumor and no company is that stupid. The marketing angle would simply be reporting what was played and for how long. Just like your current cable box does. Perverts go to jail every day for planting cameras in peoples homes.

And a terms of use clause would be quickly spot and blasted on the Internet and would immediately kill sales.

[jukins]

Hmm its not the always on that bothers me its the still going rumors of kinect being always on and required and potentially blocked used games

[abzdine]

This is ridiculous..

http://i.minus.com/iZ4Xc7uz...

[Kran]

Sorry, but nor is it here in the UK :/

[dcbronco]

Always on should never have anything to do with SP. It should only deal with MP games. This whole debate will take care of itself in time. With MP games it doesn't matter because it is obvious you have a connection. But if it does apply to SP, low install bases and sales will quickly fix the problem.

As for the complaints that not everyone has Internet. In most industrialized nations I'm sure most at least have DSL or some kind of connection. Always on doesn't mean you need Broadband. I'm sure a connect period will do.

[ajax17]

I'm guessing this guy has RoadRunner internet. I used to have the same problems all the time.

[AO1JMM]

If this turns out to be true the Xbox720 will turn into a nintendo (1st party exclusives) for me. Where all I buy for it is the Halo's/GOW games and that is it.

[MuhammadJA]

I know some "third world countries" have better Internet than America.

[tiffac008]

If 1st world nations are still having issues with their internet connection, just imagine us who lives in 3rd world countries.

We don't even have any proper infrastructure for high speed broadband internet. -_-

@ThePonyCollie

I would love to know which 3rd world countries are those because my country certainly ain't one of them.

[tiffac008]

LOL! at the disagrees, come to the Philippines and judge for yourselves then.

This is the facts not fiction.

Still if you guys have great broadband internet then all I can say is I'm envious of you.

[BOLO]

"Always On"..."Control the living room"..."Total entertainment experience"...

Xbox indoctrination.