Rumor: Kotaku columnist saying Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV will require online connection

If you believe this internet extraordinaire and Kotaku columnist Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV will require online connection. Does this mean certain publishers can choose to have this DRM enabled on both next-gen systems?

[Godmars290]

Feeling less and less good about next gen...

Edit:
Remember: Sony did say something about leaving DRM up to 3rd parties. Damnit.

Bad enough the social media agenda means less likelihood of SP titles.

[Simon_Brezhnev]

If true no buy from me.

Yeah i like to log off when i play single player games. I hate getting all them messages is it good and blah blah blah.

[Yi-Long]

Always Online DRM is an automatic NO BUY for me.

Its ridiculous.

[RE_L_MAYER]

Same here-fuck next gen if ps4 is doing it as well....I simply cant have it always online due to my shitty connection......going to build a better pc online that can have BETTER graphics......oh wait what? All the game recuire online connection? Im just gonna go watch movies or do something on ps3

[thechosenone]

Always online requirement is a automatic no buy from me. I have no problem with one time MP passes or something similar but they do not have the right to keep a constant watch on my activities.

[AzaziL]

The worst part of always online is that you can have the best internet and still not be able to play because some schmuck in a suit decided to skimp on servers.

It always has happened and always will. And even when they iron that out after a couple weeks and get it stable, it's still always short during peak hours.

Then you have server maintenance and downtime and a few years down the line, they shut down the servers for good and you can no longer play.

[RM-TatoTiburon]

Do you know that you actually can turn off notifications?

[darthv72]

that line right there Azaz...has me most concerned. I have several original xbox games that are virtually worthless now because the multiplayer aspect is no longer functional.

As a collector/gamer, I like to be able to play these games from time to time and know that, in full working order, they are worth something to other collectors.

But when you have games where half of their function has been disabled by the powers that be....just makes them coasters instead of collector pieces. i know they have offline modes but try playing Unreal championship by yourself....it sucks.

But i guess i should just accept it as one of those circle of life things. I have a slew of DC games that used to be supported online but no more sega servers to host PSO means Im stuck playing with myself...figuratively speaking of course.

[MestreRothN4G]

I didn't buy SimCity for this only matter.

[NukaCola]

I think Watch Dogs needs the connection for the interactivity of an online community but as for AC or DRM in general, I will be unsupportive of a developer trying to mandate a connection for any game that is a single player title.

[RumbleFish]

The answer is simple: Don't buy the f****** games! There are many things you can do. Read a book, watch movies, go swimming, running. Do anything but don't buy the games. DRM, online connection for single player games only hurt us, not the pirates.
If we say NO! the publishers will have to answer. We pay them, we are their bosses!

You have the choice: use Your power to keep Your money in Your pocket.

We pay them. They HAVE to do what WE want!

[rhcpfan]

@RM-TatoTiburon

lmao

[Root]

Same here

Watch Dogs better not be always on....I am NOT having people in my game messing up my world, watching or following me as I do missions and trying to screw things up for me.

If I WANT that I'll select it but I better not be forced to do it.

[NateCole]

Yes, regardless of weather you are a PS or xbox gamer we should all stand against this kinda bullshit as gamers.

Sadly though we are a minority.

[zeeshan]

I can't stand the concept either. If lets suppose that Naughty Dog decides to go that route with my most anticipated game since resident evil 5 (which turned out crap compared to previous re titles), I'll simply drink my tears but won't even consider buying that game.

The above statement was just and example. I know Sony won't force this crap, they have already told us about this but just goes to show how much this gamer dislikes this drm crap regardless the format or companies.

[darthv72]

this just got interesting.

So while the rumors of an always online console are deal breaking for some. the idea that the need for an internet connection to play games is.....okay?

At least it puts the hypocrisy out in front for all to see.

If you want something bad enough in life, you find a way to get it. work hard, earn more money all of the things our parents and parents-parents had to do to provide the luxuries for themselves and their children. okay, that was a bit off topic but....its true.

Oh, this is not directed at you god, just speaking generally.

[Unicron]

It's anti-consumer either way to me. However, if it's only a game's FEATURE that won't work without online, so be it, I'll live without it and can play without a connection.

But if I can't boot something like Okami because my ISP is down, that's just utter crap and anyone defending it is being ridiculous.

[mydyingparadiselost]

Unless you live in an area with little to no internet service. Oh, sorry numerous countries, rural regions and poor internet infrastructure areas, you consumers need to work harder and make everything around you shit roses so your can pay vast amounts of money to us and play our games! Great thinking.

[Darrius Cole]

No it's not okay for a game either. But I can (and in my case actually will) choose not to buy the game, unless it is an exclusively online multi-player game.

[Jek_Porkins]

Didn't we all suspect this when we heard Destiny would be DRM? I mean I kind of suspected it, I doubt this would be the big blow to Microsoft that people are making it out to be if companies are making their games DRM anyway.

[CC-Tron]

It's like I said they never learn. The smell of roast crow just got a little stronger on N4G.

[Unicron]

Is Destiny using it as a core feature, or as a needless form of DRM though (See Sim City)? Those are two different things. Again, being unable to play ANY single player game without an online connection is ridiculous if true. Being unable to play an MMOFPS/persistent world is something else.

[Crazyglues]

OH No! Say it ain't so... this would be such a bad move for game companies...

Seriously did no one see the backlash that SimCity got...!!

What in the world are these fools thinking - Looks like two games I'm going to pass on... What a bad move..

I play too many games offline this is ridiculous. I was just playing God Of War Ascension's single player offline the other day..

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[Godmars290]

What they saw was the game sell over a million on pre-orders and continue to sell after all the internet "whining".

[darthv72]

wasnt the simcity thing more about server load than anything else? Meaning the game was released and the demand exceeded the available resources until they got things straightened out.

So is that the automatic norm from now on? Release a game that requires an internet check but make sure that the systems arent in place to process those checks so we can really F with the consumers.

Everything is getting pushed so far out of context.

[DOMination-]

Its inevitable that Sony woukd follow suit imo. They might end up with less publisher support otherwise.

Theres a chance that this may lead to cheaper games in future though.

[NastyLeftHook0]

sony will not do that. they said they would not. i trust them. this is a rumor.

[Ezz2013]

but the thing is ....sony is not doing this
"More relief... At a roundtable this morning, Sony's game studios chief, Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that"
http://kotaku.com/5985874/p...
that's not the same thing with MS

the sad part sony said it's up to 3rd party dev to do it or not
and this is a 3rd part dev who's doing it
which is lame as hell
and i won't support those 3rd party studios who do this ...not in a million years

[DOMination-]

Well guess what. Ubisoft are dping it. And you can bet EA will too. kotaku have been good with rumours so trust Sony all you want but this WILL happen across both formats.

[Ezz2013]

did you read the (update)in the article?! it's not a rumor
sony confirm that already
the only one here to blame are 3rd party studios who will do this not sony

[dasbeer88]

I really wish modern game companies were like CD Projekt RED: They don't give a shit about DRM, they actually CARE about their fans.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

A man isn't even a fan of the Witcher but CD projekt RED is one of his favorite devs anyway simply for taking a stand. A man will wait until the consumer backlash and elimination of this tactic to buy his next gen console if Sony truly does go this path.

[Baka-akaB]

A pity CD projekt Red doesnt get nearly enough the support they should

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Perfect...The PS4 and 720 are suppose to have "PC architect"

That doesn't mean they should do PC practices on console?

Devs need to get this "PC mentality" out of their heads, they are still home consoles that people still want to play on there own time. And not having to worry about having to connect every single time you start the game.

Next gen is sounding rough at the moment.

[Freedomland]

So it has started....................... ............................... ..............................
Proud gamers will fall against mighty developers.
I hope not.

[GiantFriendlyCrab]

i downland the pirated version if this is true. Fuck DRM

[MestreRothN4G]

If it ever exists...

[MariaHelFutura]

Any game or system that forces you to be online constantly, will not be weaseling it's way into my living room. (w/ the exception of online only games or games I'll only play online like BF4)

[sway_z]

100% agreed!

I for one will just stick to PS3, since there are some awesome games still scheduled. In fact, I'm seriously contemplating on holding off on next gen for maybe a year or so to see how it all pans out.

I am still very impressed with what PS3 can offer anyways ;)

[Cocozero]

Sony did say they would leave it up to publishers to require DRM.....

[dcbronco]

They said they would leave blocking used games up to the publishers. People don't like to look at the business side of things, but used games and pirating hurt sales. No matter what Gamestop says. It was crazy to believe both consoles wouldn't have these features. If they are true for one they will come to all. Publishers will go where they think they have the best deal.

It is good to see some people that are usually Sony drones being honest about this.

[BitbyDeath]

Won't get either game if true.

[Roper316]

does anyone here actually listen to or believe what Kotaku has to say?

[BABYLEG]

They do when its something negative regarding the next xbox

[CC-Tron]

Head Shot!

[Godmars290]

Gamers need to pick games with DRM - AND NOT BUY THEM!

Let companies know why those games are not being bought, then not buy them. No matter what the game is until the DRM is removed. Its the only way to stop this.

Edit@Roper316:
Regardless of this being true or not, whether or not this is just Kotaku's usual BS, the actual matter needs to be addressed. Constructively complained about while something can still be done about it or the industry implodes because of greed and stupidity.

[darthv72]

if the next uncharted comes out with drm Im not going to simply ignore that. i like the series too much to let something like DRM stop me from playing Drake's latest chapter.

Same with any high profile game i am a fan of. I have the internet to support it, I have to have my fix. This is just the sign of the times.

If you want to protest and have sit-ins or love-ins and sing songs about being free....you go right ahead. I'm going to be playing GT6/7/8 or Halo 5/6/7 and not even look back.

[Godmars290]

"I'm going to be playing GT6/7/8 or Halo 5/6/7 and not even look back."

Until they shut down the servers, even for the single player modes.

If they offer the next Uncharted with required online for the SP game, then that's one Uncharted I'm not buying. Don't care if the final stage is massive shoot out at Drake's and Sully's wedding.

[yewles1]

"if the next uncharted comes out with drm Im not going to simply ignore that. i like the series too much to let something like DRM stop me from playing Drake's latest chapter. "

You're ignoring SOMETHING alright...

http://kotaku.com/5985874/p...

[darthv72]

you ruined my bit....oh well.

Yeah we knew about sony may not do the online thing but they left it open to the individual developers/publishers.

So EA, Activision, Capcom, konami, (insert others here) can use their own discretion to enforce some sort of online key checking system in their PS4 games.

So how they use it can be just the same as how MS uses it but people arent even giving any thought to that. They jump to conclusions based on FUD.

[Tetsujin]

@Darth

There's certain games I also "need my fix" for, however there's always alternatives; currently I found my Zelda fix, its called 3D Dot Game Heroes. Every game at least has an alternative out there; no not a direct copy, or some low budget game, but there is something out there that can still provide a fix without having to support practices we don't find helpful towards the gaming community.

[Tetsujin]

I agree with Godmars on this, first its Kotaku spreading rumors again, and second we as gamers need to address the issue that online DRM isn't a safe move for various reasons. If previous games/consoles had mandatory online requirements I wouldn't want to own them either; down the road I might want to play a game to remember the good times, or to speed run something, If the servers go down then it would be a drink coaster.

I miss the gaming era back in the 90's; back then it was who can make the best games, and who can stay of their time. Now it's who can rip off the customer the best AND make them feel like "we owe the companies."

[GiantFriendlyCrab]

the whole concept of watch dogs is "Always connected",

[Jobesy]

Ironic huh?

[Godmars290]

Ironic, but still entirely possible as an off-line game.

Something like Journey, Dark Souls, are "always online" games where it becomes very notable when you're playing off-line. But again you can play them off-line.

[jay2]

I'm on a poo 1.5-1.7MB connection, one of 13 houses don't my road not connected to fiber and been waiting since July 11, I right might skip next gen now.

[RE_L_MAYER]

Lol my street doesnt have anything so everyone got satellite dishes but everyone else next street running 30-40 mb charter.....so unlucky)))

[StockpileTom]

Keep in mind the publishers probably could have done that this gen anyway as it is. If anything the console makers probably outlined a policy that prevented them from doing that. I wouldn't mind if it were just some publishers doing it as I would be voting with my wallet (screw EA if they decide on that) but if all games did it because the console itself required it... that would be bad.

[BlackCarrot]

It's simple, don't purchase DRM games or consoles which prohibit used games. It may actually be against the law.

[porter470]

Some publishers are stating to call there "game's" a service, to bypass certain laws or so I've read.

[blackbirdi]

easy no buy fuck you ubisoft

[Gamer-Z]

I guess i wont be buying Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed next gen.

[Angainor7]

good luck with that

[R_aVe_N]

I expected both would need an internet connection based off what they planned the games to be Watch Dogs looks to have a lot of connected features.

[Number-Nine]

watch dogs requiring an online connection would be ironic...

[blackbirdi]

i checked kotaku and i didn't find anything like that ....

[Th3 Chr0nic]

This is something Ubisoft would do, they are one of the worst with DRM.

[clintos59]

Well they just fu**ed themselves. I was planning to buy these 2 games but hey guess they like losing potential sales. Cant believe if its true microsoft is supporting this sh*t.

[My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante]

I wouldn't mind this with a game like Watch Dogs considering the best way to play seems like it would be being online the whole time (kind of like how Demon's Souls is better when you play it online). Assassin's Creed would be what I disagree with. If anything the next AC will be pirated a lot of that's the case which is fitting for a pirate themed game.

[Gamer-40]

Welcome next-gen.

Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV will require online connection, all platforms.

New Xbox and Ps4.

Same Battlefield 4 and Destiny.

[grassyknoll]

I hate always on DRM, but to be fair Destiny is a MMO & Battlefield 4 is multiplayer heavy.

[Gamer-40]

True.
But i think, next-gen focus on used games dead, same xbox or ps4.

[Pro_TactX]

I understand the principal behind the outcry against the always-online requirement, and in fact I agree with it. That being said, I am still going to get the games. I have a stable internet connection that is always on, so that type of requirement really doesn't affect me in any way.

[sway_z]

There you go ....only thinking about yourself!

...Did it not occur to you that sales could be impacted by this outrageous 'always online' requirement rumour? ..and that it could actually mean you don't get to play certain AAA games either?

If 50% of the always online/DRM detractors boycotted, then that's a 50% loss in revenue ...Poor sales equals less games!

GO figure.....

[Knight_Crawler]

Can work both ways since those cheap a$$ pirates wont be able to steal next gen games, so that means more money for the developers.

Did you know that a million copies of Call Duty were pirated last year alone.

[Pro_TactX]

Of course I am thinking about myself. I am the center of my universe, until such time as I meet someone who will become the new center of my universe. Lower sales is not my concern. That is something the developers and publishers will have to address. I am simply interested in getting those games because I want to play them.

[RE_L_MAYER]

Half of people probably talking out of their ass right now that they not gonna get thisbut eventually they will.....for me im dead serious if all this crap online only im going to pass-I spent enough money on games its just gonna help me upgrade my movie collection or some other stuff other than games

[SOULJER]

F-THAT I'm not buying either one of these games. They can suck it.

[ps3_pwns]

im not buying drm games or drm consoles. i bet they say its always online becasue those 2 games are gonna be on the next box. i doubt always online will be required for the ps4 version.

[porkChop]

This is only for the PSN/XBL versions on PS4, and the Xbox 3 whenever that gets announced. The PSN version of AC4 on PS4 it already confirmed to require an internet connection to start the game, but it isn't required while actually playing.

Just buy the disc version instead. If no one buys it digitally that will send publishers a message about this type of DRM.

[Evolve]

Here we go again!

[EffectO]

haha

Can't wait to see reactions when mandatory online Uncharted 4 is revealed.

Priceless!

[Angainor7]

ahahahahahahahahahahahahaa!!!! !!!

[crazysammy]

Rumor: Kotaku sucks ass. Wait thats a fact.

[OpieWinston]

It's a Kotaku post....
Most of their rumors are flawed as hell.

[maniacmayhem]

I guess it really doesn't matter about the NextBox always being online since most big game devs will probably go this route anyways.

Shame really...first online passes and now online DRM.

Time to take up a new hobby folks. I heard paper airplane crafting is beginning to take off.

[whoyouwit04]

Who was the first to have online passes? Sony So this is no surprise

[Veneno]

AN ONLINE PASS for going ONLINE is nowhere near the same as this. Use your brain, man.

[flappersack]

I wanted both these games on PS4. However if the always online is true, Ubi won't be getting a cent from me.

[Veneno]

The problem is the dumb masses who connect their consoles to Internet and don't read up on games sites won't even notice the change. It will be as normal for them..... until they realize they cant play games when they are offline, which will probably happen someday.

[NateCole]

I can see it now. In the future we will see games with lables such as offline play as a incentive to buy them.

Sad day that will be.

Back in the days when i bought a game i get a full game. Now days it has DLC.

In the future though you will be lucky to get a game that will not need to be online.

Fuck this. I don't care anymore. I have been gaming for more than 30 years. It's was a good run and i am more than willing to give up looking at how things are going to be.

[Flipgeneral]

The irony

[whoyouwit04]

Now this is funny, Sony fans were just trolling all over the 720 require an always on connection. But in the end third parties might force it on them any ways, so I guess you fan boys want be picking up the PS4 as well. You know maybe Microsoft were just the ones being up front about blocking used games, and Sony were the ones playing there consumers for fools. I told you sony fans you were just to dam cocky, and now some of you are saying that you wont even buy the PS4. Now I really do think its dumb to force people to always be online, but you are online all the time anyways, you just don't think about it.

[Dungus]

If it's true, I won't be buying. LET ME PLAY MY GAMES IN PEACE.

[Cyfyxtfg]

It makes sense for watch dogs

[FRAKISTAN]

Everyone was focused on xbox 720's DRM that micro had to do something about it. they let their unofficially official little dog aka kotaku out of the pen which tried to shift some drm related gamer wrath towards the PS4 as well.

well played craptaku but you failed since intelligent gamers who can think for themselves and are not bots know that microsft brought everything that was negative about this generation which includes and is not limited to micro transactions,bribing game companies for DLC,timed DLC,etc

[DivineAssault]

i dont care if it is.. Im not too interested in AC4 yet.. I played enough of that series for now.. Watchdogs looks like a great open world game to play but if internet is mandatory just to play the campaign, ill think twice before buying it.. I have great cable internet in my home but if other ppl have a bad connection, i dont want to deal with lag issues..

[pete007]

If Thats ok To them, ill go To pirate bay, wait for crack and bypass Drm bullshit

[gigoran]

Just kotaku BS, nothing to see here. Move along. The only thing about them that isn't a rumor is that they will make anything up and write any rumor no matter how false in order to get their cake meter full each week. Plus, Patricia has a horseface and I don't trust horses.

[TemplarDante]

If true... screw you MSFT!
You put these filthy ideas in Ubi's head after they promised to not do it again!

I dont care, if this is true, I WONT purchase these games, yet I was planning on getting both.
Dont try getting Jade Raymond to sweet talk us in interviews either. I may be a guy, but I aint fickle and easy either.

Always On DRM is a TURD that NO ONE can polish!
And Durangos "Always On" is trying to make it a 3rd party norm.

I got six words for you, Ubi if this is true.
Im not buying.
Deal Wit It !