Forza Motorsport 5 Requires One-Time Internet Connection

Flagship Xbox One launch title Forza Motorsport 5 – which will make extensive use of the console’s cloud capabilities and always-online functionality – will also be playable offline now that Microsoft has changed its policies. However, it will require a one-time connection to Xbox Live before you can play.

[Snookies12]

Eh? That's not a really big deal. So long as you don't have to be connected 24/7 or anything like that.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

Agreed yes I guess this seems okay, I assume the only reason this 1 time connection is because when the DRM and 24hr check-in was in place, this game ALSO had a 24hr check-in. But since they removed it, they had to remove the Forza's as well.

Idc about this 1 time connection, its not bad at all

[Kanzes]

The console itself requires one time connection to the Internet. If you're buying the game at launch, you just have to connect briefly for the game to get the Drivatars and bunch of tracks and cars. I don't see any problem.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

@above, I just said that in my comment, what are you saying?

[jimbobwahey]

It's funny to see that a game so heavily advertised as making heavy use of "the infinite power of the cloud" is fully playable offline.

Utterly hilarious to see all the nonsense that Microsoft were spewing is now being revealed to be merely lies and deception.

Still, good news for Xbox One owners who don't want to rely on their internet connection just to play a video game. This is a win for them, even if it reveals just how much Microsoft has been lying.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Kinda ironic how the Xbox fanbase called PS3 the "Patchstation" due to all the required patches and yet here we are, forced to download Day One patches (and mandatory Day One patch for the console itself).

Look how the turn tables...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[PimpDaddy]

Because you made an ASSumption about DRM and 24-hour connectivity that is trying to bring a negative view on this whole topic iGAM3R-VIII. Then gave Microsoft a backhanded compliment while you were at it.

I "assume" that's why you got the disagrees...

[MagneticDeath2]

Essentially they are selling a non working unfinished version of the game that is unplayable without a day 1 patch.

[OrangePowerz]

If you read the article you will see that the reason ia that they can't finish the game on time and need to do a big day one patch that makes the game playable because the game on disc won't be finished.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

@Kanzes I don't evem have a problem, I didn't even say there was a problem

@PimpDaddy What? It was a assumption, I didn't say it was 100% It would make sense as well. Nothing in my comment was nagative

@above I did read it but I am saying I do not want them to rush it. They can take thier time

[MysticStrummer]

@Kanzes - Aren't the Drivatars based on players? How would they be available at launch?

I guess they could be based on beta data or something, to answer my own question.

@self - Thanks for the fast response! Peace and good gaming.

[Gazondaily]

@Mystic

"- Aren't the Drivatars based on players? How would they be available at launch? "

They don't necessarily have to be everyone else's drivatars. I'm sure they have a library built up already with just the devs alone.

[Cueil]

Nothing is as bad as PS3's system patches

[mewhy32]

Well this isn't a big deal to people in urban areas. But for those that live in the rural areas that can only access the web via dial up this is a massive problem. Massive.

[Thatguy-310]

It's not bad but look at it this way. There are many people that get consoles that have no Internet connection so for them it won't it will be a problem.

[Snookies12]

Well, the X1 still needs at least a one time connection at start up to get rid of always online features... So, they wouldn't buy it in the first place if they didn't have some way to get internet. Even if it's just for one day.

[Kanzes]

It's like playing Bethesda games. on ps3. without patch.

[Spurg]

Many??? A tiny minority maybe...but who would buy £429 console and not have an internet connection in their house. I think a lot people would prioritise an internet connection first over getting a console.

[PimpDaddy]

LOL @ Many people who will buy a $500.00 console at launch with a $60.00 dollar driving simulation game not having an internet connection.

I'm sorry but the people who have been trying to spin "needing" an internet connection as being negative need new material.

I hope that EVERYBODY that owns either an XB1 or a PS4 has a broadband internet connection because otherwise it's not worth it for them to buy either console. Both the PS4/XB1 were meant to have a constant connection to the internet in order for their consumers to get the optimum experience!!!

[papashango]

But PS3 can't play Bethesda games =\

[RedHawkX]

this not good you gonna have to download day one patch for the console thats a few gigabytes large then turn around and download game data thats probabl 5+ gigabytes of data and such. thats pretty rediculous. you better off just going with the download version at this point because thats what it is. you probably wont be able to sale the game either because I dont think ms wants people who didnt buy the game to be able to just download them huge files all the time taking up there bandwith.

[MarkusMcNugen]

You have evidence that the day one patch is going to be "a few gigabytes large?" Or are you just trolling... Im going to guess trolling.

[ShwankyShpanky]

Selling you a disc with an unplayable partial game?

Sounds reasonable.

[H0RSE]

Apparently it is reasonable, since developers/publishers across both platforms do it... this isn't exclusively an xbox thing, and anyone trying to spin it that way is being ignorant and naive. Even on current systems, these business practices take place.

[3-4-5]

Forza 5 is going to be awesome.

[YodaCracker]

Agreed, it is the highest rated racing series of this gen. Wonder if it can keep that title next gen!

[Godmars290]

If they're going to have games which need one-time connections, they really shouldn't have bothered to remove the always online requirement.

People without *ANY* internet wont be able to play the game or the console.

[MasterCornholio]

"People without *ANY* internet wont be able to play the game or the console."

If the Wii U and the PS4 do this then the XBOX One should be able to do it as well.

IMO

[Godmars290]

Because MS was setting up for an always online console cycle. Were actively excluding off-line consumers.

[flunkers]

I cannot see any point in having a console in 2013 without an internet connection. If you can afford and be able obtain one of these consoles, surely people will have internet.

[Godmars290]

"I cannot see any point in having a console in 2013 without an internet connection."

And that goes back to the state of the internet. The fact that some regions have bad or no accessibility at all. And then there's ignored point that if you're not paying for internet which goes for $50-70 a month, you're likely more able to afford a PS4 or XB1.

Part of the reason consoles are "better" with the internet is because, 1) most games have online features instead of just being SP titles, and 2) require patching because they were shipped off incomplete. Decause of something which devs quickly came to abuse.

[H0RSE]

Why would you buy a console, where a good part of its features are internet related, and not have an internet connection? It would make much more sense for a player with no internet, to just stick with the current systems - this goes for both PS and xbox. This "people with no internet" argument is fucking old and played out - give it up. Even in instances like soldiers overseas trying to play games - they are aware of the connection issues they have when they are deployed, so why even bring it up?

Bringing up the point that players "need" an internet connection in certain instances on the new consoles, and attempting to spin it like some evil, negative conspiracy against players, is like trying to persuade people not to go to Alaska because they will "need" winter clothing. In either instance, the person is likely aware of what they need and has it taken care of beforehand.

[Godmars290]

"Why would you buy a console, where a good part of its features are internet related, and not have an internet connection?"

Because its only been one whole console generation where internet connectivity played an active part in using one?

The original concept behind consoles was ease of use and access. That if you bought a single player game you wouldn't need anything in addition, like online, to play it.

We'll find out how old and played out the no-internet argument is when the XB1 hits the general market.

[FamilyGuy]

No one likes day 1 patches, game devs need to release games when they're finished. Rushing a product to market before it's ready is why we had the rrod fiasco.

Look at Sony, they pushed back Infamous Second Son because they have integrity rather forcing the devs to release an unfinished product at the systems launch.

Take notes MS: We have patience. "Good things come to those that wait."

Yeah I'm blowing this way outta proportion lol but it's still true. Obviously a day 1 patch is better than waiting 2 extra months or so for release. XD

[H0RSE]

The day one patch likely has more to do with the publisher than the devs, since they ultimately call the shots. This is why independent companies, like Valve and Splash Damage, can take all the time in the world to release games, because there is no higher up to answer to - they are their own bosses.

[GribbleGrunger]

I wonder though, because it's not been clarified, does every single game require a one time internet connection?

[CuddlyREDRUM]

You are Xbox One's target audience.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

Well then, it isnt that bad just for one time

It's not that bad though

[FordGTGuy]

The Xbox One itself requires a one-time connection also.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

I know the X1 has that, I fully said that in my other comment

[kenmid]

@fordgtguy, obviously you didn't read the article. The point of the one time connection is to add features.

ok, I see you edited your comment.

[ShwankyShpanky]

"The point of the one time connection is to add features."

If you consider the AI and other things "required ... to play the game" (Greenawalt's words) as "features."

[H0RSE]

@FordGTGuy

So does Steam, so what's your point?

[josephayal]

drm is the future

[FordGTGuy]

DRM is the past/present/future.

You might want to check your EULA on your PS3 and Xbox 360 games.

[ShwankyShpanky]

EULA =/= DRM

[H0RSE]

A EULA is essentially non-intrusive DRM. It states the terms and conditions in which you agree to apply, whereas DRM software, effectively forces you to play by those rules.

[Kanzes]

I agree, I'm going all digital on the next gen, whether it's X1 or PS4. It's awesome because you can insta-switching your games without putting disc anymore. You can play while downloading too this time. And furthermore, I really hope there's a crazy sales and pre-load feature on PS4/XB1 like Steam.

[HugoDrax]

My approach as well. All Digital! plus I won't have to concern myself with scratched disc, lost discs, loaning disc, etc...I am a fan of being able to switch between games without loading disc, I also find myself playing more titles in between gaming sessions because of it.

[vikingland1]

no big deal. for me.

[illtownNJONE]

Ive always said (military excluded) for people who complained about online 24hr checkin etc......if u spend that much on a console but dnt have internet access ......kick your own @$$

[T2]

I dont have a problem with itbut the fact is you will still alienate some consumers ... I remember taking my consoles camping and to other places ... Not everywhere has internet thats still fact

[bsquwhere]

That's a stupid comment. I have family that love to game but broadband is UNAVAILABLE to them. Its not a choice. God your ignorant. Just because you have something doesn't mean everyone else can have it. That pisses me off, you guys complain about PS fanboys but come off sounding like an snobby asshole. Let me guess you think military personnel should kick their own ass as well. Idiot.

[Yo Mama]

They're expecting you xbox 180 users to pay full price for an unfinished game, then go home(or someone else's house if you don't have internet) to download the rest of the game. Hahahah. Oh man, you can't make this stuff up.

One has to wonder if this is really their way of having their own DRM. You also have to wonder if the rumors about Microsoft being caught off guard with Sony's PS4 announcement was true and xbone developers weren't ready.

All valid questions.

[FordGTGuy]

Is this a joke?

Would you rather them continue working on content for the game until launch or stop 6 weeks before?

How is it DRM it's a one time thing......

If anything the games shown at E3 show that PS4 launch games were less ready than Xbox One launch games.

DriveClub was only 35% complete at E3 while Forza 5 was 75% complete.

[Yo Mama]

Did you really ask how it could be DRM if it's only a one time check?

[Kanzes]

It's like a mandatory free dlc. In compesation of our one-time connection, we got free stuff and drivatars software addition. I think it's a good deal

[FordGTGuy]

You do realize that DRM means Digital Rights Management right?

This has to do with them updating the game to final and not enforcing DRM.

[ShwankyShpanky]

So the game that's going to be completely ready at a most likely earlier launch is less complete than the game that they will need to keep working on right up until launch?

Interesting.

@Kanzes: The game doesn't work without the "free DLC." Isn't a working game supposed to be the compensation for the $60 you paid for it?

[CuddlyREDRUM]

Xbox consumers literally expect nothing.

[Elit3Nick]

the fact that the X1 also needs a one time internet check kinda voids this point. Plus I don't get your argument about that being an unfinished game, rather than shelving game development a month before release, they work on more cars during this period, and they could've made that priced dlc, but instead chose to make it free, now that's an amazing developer.

[omi25p]

"Oh man, you can't make this stuff up"

You just did.

[Ashlen]

So to some extent DRM still exists.

If at some point Microsft decides it doesn't want to host that data anymore the disk you bought is a coaster.

I object to selling disks that don't actually contain enough information to play the game.

This really shows what Microsoft's intentions were.

And to say they couldn't put enough information on the disk to play the game at some level is BS most games go gold about a month before release and are worked on for over a year prior.

And projects start with the program files. It's not like they created all the art then in the last month are going to create the program files.

[Ben12]

just like all the good games on ps4 that will be always online. you sony fan boys are something else signing petitions, crying about internet, just go buy a ps2.

[bsquwhere]

What games are those? Oh you me MMOs. Of course their always online they have to be. Or do you mean the multiplayer only games? Oh wait their online games so you have to be online. Who the hell thinks u can play those offline..nobody. Thanks for an invalid point. Also those free MMO do not require PS Plus. I'm glad Xbox has gone away from their previous ways of always online and no DRM,but don't spread lies about the other console for no reason.

[FordGTGuy]

Welcome to reality we've been swimming in DRM for a while now even if most people are blind to the fact that the discs they buy include a EULA saying they only own the disc with the game on it and have "permission" to play that content.

[Hicken]

And just how do they go about enforcing that so-called DRM, hmm?

By the way, DRM refers to ACTUAL ways of controlling the games. EULAs are more terms of service, akin to the rules you adhere to in order to participate in forums and the like.

[Ben12]

Anyone who buys ps4 or xboxone that has no internet is crazy. all good games will be online that's a fact jack. don't waste your money just go buy a good cell phone and stop the crying or move damnit.

[Parapraxis]

What a narrow minded view you have. Plenty of people will be able to pick up a PS4 and enjoy a ton of games without internet.

[RedHawkX]

im gonna be playing jrpgs and fallou new vegas 2 and such dont need online for that or infamous so many games you dont need online for that last a long time.

[No_Limit]

Oh man, can't wait for those "Low income players can't play Forza 5" articles to pop up now. Seriously, this is a non issue. Go to a friend's house with internet, dowload a tether app on your phone for connection, or simply sit outside your nearest Starbuck to get the internet connection if it has to come down to that.

[OrangePowerz]

The issue is that they cant finish the game on time and have to finish the game via a patch because the content on disc isn't done. You can forget about using your phone to download a huge patch.

[Parapraxis]

No_Limit to the excuses you will make.

If Forza 5 isn't ready at launch, then they should wait until it is to release the game.

XB1 is really looking rushed at this point, MS did not expect Sony to be as far ahead as they were and it's evident.

[ShwankyShpanky]

"or simply sit outside your nearest Starbuck to get the internet connection if it has to come down to that."

Right, with your generator and your TV.

[MasterCornholio]

LOL as if the WiFi has no limits to it.

ROFL Amazes me what these special people say sometimes.

[Ben12]

just like I said don't waist your money just go play jet pack joy ride on your cell. if you have no internet. ps4 and xbox one are a waist of money for you.

[bsquwhere]

@choda...your now officially the biggest piece of elitist crap I've ever heard. Probably some spoiled rich kid who never had to work a day in his life.

[CuddlyREDRUM]

Do all that just to play a disc based game I bought? Would I be paid to do all that?

Is Forza 5 like forty bucks?

[_FantasmA_]

There's still people all over the world (not just in poorer countries) that don't have internet so all this "at least its just once" won't even be possible for them. And people used to hate on the PS3 because it was expensive. Well xbone is almost as expensive and can't even be used by some people. Well done M$.

[Me-Time]

But then someone has already said that those people won't be buying an X1 anyway. I say it's still not a good thing and we'll definitely see the Xbox's market drop a lot more than anyone would have anticipated.

[RM-TatoTiburon]

Just like almost every game of this gen, a day one update...

Not big deal for me, a lot of PS4 games will have this too

[OrangePowerz]

There is a difference between a day one patch that fixes bugs compared to one that makes the game playable at all.

[Software_Lover]

Forza looks good. I haven't been paying attention to it but it really looks great. The detail in the cities and the reflections in the windshield. I was impressed.

[mmj]

What's the real reason that the game needs to 'phone home' when you first buy it?

[OrangePowerz]

That the content on the disc isn't finished.

[AceBlazer13]

and yet they still put it out

[mmj]

Any developer with an ounce of sense would delay the physical version of the game and launch digital only to begin with, there's obviously more to this than meets the eye.

Are all Xbone games going to be released 'unfinished' and needing to download day 1 'content' for it to work?

[FrigidDARKNESS]

I want to let you guys know that the final version of Fora 5 is going to look far better than the e3 version or demo. MS showed Forza 5 privately to a group of developers with Directx 11.2 with PRT Tile and Ray Trace path. I hope we get to see this version at Gamescom.

[No_Limit]

Can't wait. Forza 5 Day one!

[CuddlyREDRUM]

I played it at an event after E3, it looked the same as the E3 build.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Lmao, whstever dude.

[Supermax]

X1 day one stop bringing articles up that have no relevance.

[firelogic]

Clearly people who frequent sites like this obviously have internet, but that doesn't mean everybody else in the rest of the world does too. Studies have shown that about 25% of the PS3 and 360 audience have never connected to the internet. Now you say, 25 out of 100 people isn't a big deal right? But the 360 sold 75 million units. 25% of 75 million is 18.75 million. You don't think that's a lot of people without internet?

[AceBlazer13]

wat do they care they have internet and no clue of situations in other regions

[JokesOnYou]

Well if they don't have internet then they won't buy a X! anyway since they need to connect once for it to work.

Also do you have a link for your info because considering that 72% of gamers across all platforms actively PLAY online, just because someone doesn't want to PLAY/CONNECT online doesn't mean they don't have an internet connection. Now of that % that don't play online nobody knows exactly how many don't have internet but with that its likely this affects a small % of gamers, and given its 1 time a lot of that % can find other avenues to setup this one time connection if they REALLY want to. Honestly though buying a X1 or PS4 without having the internet is like buying a sports car that restricts you from going faster than 30mph.
http://www.gamesindustry.bi...

[Ninjamonkey82]

Sad fact is that exclusive list goes down a notch for those xbox one customers without internet access even though the Drm has been removed -_-. Forza would have been a go to game for them customers. But anyways here's to the next Forza and hopes they will have that sorted for them.

If they can't hold out there's always greener grass on the other side ^^ ---> They can always get GT6 on PS4.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

I would rather be playing superior looking games on my xb1 than a game called Octodad on the ps4.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[MasterCornholio]

You really believe that Octodad is the best looking game on the PS4?

Wow allow me to correct you.

Infamous Second Son: http://images.eurogamer.net...

Killzone Shadow Fall: http://computergames.ro/wp-...

Destiny: http://cramgaming.com/wp-co...

All these games have one thing in common, they look much better than Octodad an exclusive indie title for the PS4 that is being develop by a group of nine people.

Octodad: http://media2.giga.de/2013/...

Next time you make a claim like that make it a fair comparison by using the best looking games on the PS4 instead of the ones that look the worse.

[xkvcq]

I think octodad looks awesome and will be buying it as soon as I can on ps4. Why ya gotta hate mang? Why all the frigidDARKNESS?? It's an indie title made by 9 people with very little financial backing. I don't want it to look like Forza 5 or any other silly racing game for that matter. I want something different and unique... Like Octodad or The Witness

[AceBlazer13]

what happened to the days wen games and consoles worked without internet connections

[Hicken]

Microsoft happened.

[mmj]

It's probably more their cosy partnership with the NSA, I wonder how much government funding their living room spy programme is getting.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

To me it sounds like after that one time you can play offline if you want. But I think they'll require you to connect to the net from time to time for possible free content and of course patches.

This is also great because you can still play while everything's being downloaded and patched with no interruptions.

That's ok with me because I'm online 90% of the time.

[JunkieJedi]

It'll be interesting to see if the game requires an activation code in order to get the content. If not then it's nothing more than an annoyance but if so - then they've rendered the resale value on your disc to nothing and have essentially found another way to enforce DRM on your software.

Be interesting to see if this is a one-off or if other games start doing the same thing.

[imt558]

No always online, but there is one-time internet connection. Fuck it. So, you can't play Forza 5 if you are not connected on the net just once to download patch. Really great!!

[lonix]

And when you log in you’re going to get the Drivatars and you’re also going to get a whole bunch of content: tracks and cars. And ADVERTISING and DRM

[SonyPS360]

Not *as* bad as it could have been, but still a pain in the ass if you ask me.

I'm starting to miss the days when you could just put the disc in the try and play your game.

[Jamaicangmr]

Didn't they already state that all their games wjll require a o e time connection? How is this news?

[Godmars290]

No. The console requires a one time connection. Its going to be another thing if each and every XB1 game requires to be connected once as well. Directly brings back the question of stationed troops not being able to play games at all.

[Supermax]

And the big deal is what again

[LogicStomper]

That it can be spun into negative things.

[slivery]

Well it may not be a huge deal but it is still a problem for some people. Having to patch something and having to have a one time connection in order for the game to work are two completely different things.

One can be played without patching offline, the other can't. The whole if you can afford a console you can afford internet concept doesn't work either.

You pay for a console once, you pay for internet monthly. You also have no idea what a person could have done just to get that money. Life isn't as easy for everyone as it may be for those who can view the world in such a small scope.

[CuddlyREDRUM]

Why would you expect them to ship the actual game, they aren't shipping an actual gaming console.