Cboat Hints at DRM Functionality Still Being Present on Xbox One Games

Karam Elahi from SpawnFirst reports: "Well, he just laid another one on us, especially considering the rumors about Call of Duty not being playable at all in offline mode. Check out the pretty strong statement that he shadily confirms (as he always does; his confirmations are usually vague, but when he comments on what he thinks people have assumed to be correct, he’ll lay it out there) out there about DRM, that it might not exist on the Xbox One, but that some games themselves might still be able to make use of DRM features."

[MorePowerOfGreen]

CBOAT said XB1 UI was a mess and wouldn't work for years.

[GTgamer]

I heard months not years :/

[Blacksand1]

The XB1 is 720p with a 1080p up-scaled because MS tried to make it a t.v hub first and a gaming console second. My Fios is 720p reg. channels and 1080p on HD channels. When you mix the two that's what you get 720p with a up-scaled of 1080p, because of t.v part of the console.

[nveenio]

I feel like day one patches for BOTH consoles are really just a way to get people to go online. That's why features are missing at launch. Sure, you can play some games on your console, but the extra stuff means you've got to plug in at least once.

No biggie. It just seems a little bit of an obvious method, and both parties are doing it.

[ShinMaster]

@ inveni0

Nope, not "BOTH". You can update your PS4 by dowloading the update from any computer and saving to a USB drive or you can have a disc mailed to you.
So technically, your PS4 doesn't have to go online.

[C0LLAT]

ALSO... the patch isn't NEEDED to play single player games on the PS4.

[hulk_bash1987]

But wouldn't the issue be that the xbox one requires a day one update in order to work? Or at least that's my understanding of it.

[Blackdeath_663]

yeah that was confirmed by a Dev "the xbone will not ship with an os, end of." i think that was the quote couldn't find original link but this one confirms the same thing http://www.gamesindustry.bi...

[TomShoe]

Will the shit-storm ever end with the Xbone?

Now this is getting ridiculous.

[lokirevamped]

You must say IMHO when you type information that makes sense.

[BoriboyShoGUN]

Yeah but if this is true would'nt that cause a shit storm the minute people could'nt play offline? I dont trust MS at all, but I think they just restricted the guys console until closer to release so he couldnt show what they didnt want out there yet!

[MrFairness]

Cboat is full of shit

[hulk_bash1987]

@MrFairness

Going by your comment history I now see that yours is a trolls account. Ignoring now.

[NeoTribe]

Judging by your comment history, I think your the one full of shit. Cboat has nailed every other x1 related disaster. Wouldnt surprise me if he's spot on again.

[BBBirdistheWord]

@ Mrfairness

agreed
Cboat is full of shit.

[n4rc]

@neo
Lol.. What?

[miklo84]

Crazy Buttocks On A Train, full of shit, Nah. He's been on point on most stuff. Still comes down to the individual and their preference as to which system to buy. Personally, hasn't deterred me from day one XBone purchase. DRM never affected me personally since I have not lent out any games in years and most often times buy the games I want when they first come out. Do you.

[BBBirdistheWord]

Nah Cboat is full of shit. His strike rate has been about 50%.

I can do that too.
Sorry fanboys.

[Gore-Content]

No bubbles for you to reply? Aawwwww...

OT: He was right with the 720p thing on the xbone.

[kenmid]

@neotribe like the Xbone UI being a mess

[G20WLY]

^Kenmid, I think you're being a bit harsh.

Okay, it's not a patch on the PS4's UI, but I wouldn't agree with you that XBone UI is "a mess" entirely...

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Well you can't deny that MS console still requires a connection to some games.

Either way is seems like MS will have there way eventually.

Why cant MS do this.

The option to DRM, or to not DRM. An on and off switch of sorts.

[rainslacker]

I guess it depends on if it lets you play the game's SP without connecting to the internet. MP is obvious. If not, then that just means that the publishers can decide to implement this stuff on their own. Something as I recall Sony said they will leave up to the publishers to implement, but will not support it on a system wide level.

We already see "connectivity" features being introduced into SP, but not sure if any are completely mandatory yet. Possibly testing the waters?

Seems odd the article mentioned COD though. Aren't COD games one of the few 3rd party games that didn't ship with an online passes?

[imt558]

CBOAT said that XO UI will probably be FIXED until launch. Guess what? It's FIXED. Move along!

[BG11579]

Then there was no reason to ban any oe that received their xbones early.

[H0RSE]

Yes there was... The device has a release date for a reason. Stop approaching it from a personal/emotional standpoint, and view it for what it is - a business standpoint.

Those people chose to use their consoles early. They also chose to post pics and vids online, which is likely the bigger issue.

[dantesparda]

Wow, Horse, you're a bigger fanboy than i could have ever thought, pathetic! Talk about a company shill!

[imt558]

Albert Penello on GAF :

For sure this has nothing to do with requiring a connection. There is no "DRM removal" in the Day One update because none of the consoles were ever built with that stuff in it.

WHY DAY ONE UPDATE THEN????

[Insomnia_84]

WTF IS THIS???

First they say the day one update would remove the DRM crap and now this???

WHAT THE FKC MICROSOFT????????

Seriously, who the hell with a bit of brain is going to get into this XBone sht with Microsht??????

This company loses my respect every single effing day!!

Whoever takes that chair at Microsoft, please sell the Xbox division for the good of gaming and the company itself!

[HolyDuck]

I really don't know what you're getting at?

PS4 has a day one update to add basic functionality, should PS4 not have a day one update either?

Why does it matter if consoles have a day one update, stop crying.

[bjmartynhak]

Post from neogaf:

"The person who got this console a full two weeks ahead of schedule downloaded some sort of pre-release OS. This pre-release OS allowed him to play games. A new pre-release OS was pushed to systems. His system was not authorized to access this pre-release OS because he isn't a dev/etc. Therefore he lost the functionality to play games and/or do shit."
http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Simple as this. Day one update is yes!, to remove DRM. They might have removed from the system, but there is still something in the game, as CBOAT seems to have agreed.

[imt558]

XO is without OS. So, it's OS update. What about DRM.

[imt558]

In that case, that means only one thing : Xbone isn't entirely finished and Microsoft rushed Xbone just to meet launch in time against PS4.

But still, why console was bricked 24 hours after he playing COD : Ghosts. That's interesting.

[n4rc]

Because people shouldn't be playing an unreleased game?

And neither is finished.. Sony is patching in features just like microsoft.. Given the massive changes ms has made, it seems likely they are under a time crunch

[MightyNoX]

In CBOAT, we trust!

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

[mrmarx]

I LOVE CBOAT!!

[Mosiac77]

I think I remembered Microsoft saying back in august that the xb1 will need to be updated on day one to get rid of the DRM and other futures that the gaming community was complaining about. So yes it might still be there until the system officially launches next week.

[boxer1985]

it never rains, it pours

[hakis86]

Mr. Crazy Buttocks On A Train... truth?

[Agent1]

On another note that Cboat doesn't want you to know..

http://www.neowin.net/news/...

[Godmars290]

You'd think that if he actually knew he would have said something well before an actual possible incident.

[Hicken]

Well, he doesn't know, or, as the article says, "when he comments on what he thinks people have assumed to be correct, he’ll lay it out there." But he does speculate.

[theWB27]

Both systems have the feature and leave it up to the devs...he was flat out wrong about all the nonsense he helped stir up with the system not being ready...so this is the string he clings to. It's time to give up the doom and gloom.

[wishingW3L]

This guy's on-point with the rumors. I wouldn't even touch the XB1 with a 10 foot pole.

[Jeedai Infidel]

Then don't. Why is this our business? Go check out some PS4 news, if that's what your buying.

[Master-H]

*you're

[Jeedai Infidel]

Master-H, thanks, I usually point out grammatical and spelling errors, so I welcome fellow supporters of the proper use of the English language.

[MAULxx]

I wouldn't touch it with a 20 foot pole with gloves on.

[Sitdown]

Even if you did, why would you? Its video games not pile vaulting.

[Caleb_H]

I'm a ps4 fan, but when I saw the x1 on display at my Target I couldn't help but touch it. It's so much more sleek in person and it really does look great. The kinect is small and everything looks nice together, plus it looks pretty solid. I was almost seduced, and then I stepped back, and thought to myself, "Do I really wanna pay 100 more dollars and play games at lower resolutions? No. I don't." And I walked away hoping never to see that disgusting box ever again.

[iamnsuperman]

Is this really a hint? I know he is shaddy but he isn't this shoddy.

[Sarobi]

Yeah I think people are looking to hard into that reply.

[danny818]

I find it insane that microsoft has been plagued with rumors from start to finish ahahah thats six. I feel bad for them

[BobBelcher]

lol... Xbox One's UI seems to be working great cboat.
hit and a miss on that one.

[imt558]

NOPE! CBOAT didn't miss.

http://67.227.255.239/forum...

[BobBelcher]

oh gotcha. So it's big news to point out things that are broken before launch.

[HolyDuck]

How can anyone take CBOAT seriously.

How can you say he is right when all he said is

"It's broken now and it'll be fixed by launch"

That's exactly the same as saying

"PS4 is broken, it'll be fixed by launch"

Does that make me any more credible? No.

[MysticStrummer]

"How can anyone take CBOAT seriously."

Because he's right more often than not. I'd heard of him before E3, but didn't know anything about his accuracy rate. Then he predicted lists of things that would be announced by Sony and MS during their E3 press conferences, and he turned out to be right about most of it. He was recently proven correct about the 720p thing, so it blows my mind that people are already dismissing him again. You don't have to blindly believe everything he says, but outright dismissal seems irrational at this point.

[ELCUCO]

http://www.abload.de/img/02...

[TocaCannaBowl]

Man Microsoft sad sad.. Here's a cookie cheer up

[theWB27]

Why is this remotely news. Of course the devs can implement DRM features. Sony stated this same thing.
http://www.gamasutra.com/vi...
http://ps4daily.com/2013/06...

As long as the system doesn't have it, this isn't news or worthy of anything. CBOAT dropped the ball with all of the hoopla over the system not being ready, so he/she grasps for something that's present on both systems. Joke to say the least.

[GTgamer]

He got the resolution thing right so was he grasping then :/

[theWB27]

A broke clock is right twice a day. That resolution wasn't as big as him reporting the X1 wouldn't be ready for launch.

Believe what you will though ; )

[GTgamer]

A broke clock could work twice a day by chance this isnt about chance this is facts okay how do u know X1 was ready can you prove it wasnt rushed atleast Cboat has info thats been right you not so much.

[theWB27]

How can I prove the X1 is ready? Gamers are playing it. Press is playing it. It's in homes being played. Can I prove it wasn't rushed? Does it matter if it works?

He got resolution right...what about the doom n gloom about the system not working when it does in fact work?

[GTgamer]

Quick question @WB did we know about the X360 RROD before or after :/ oh yeah it was after lanuch so as far as im concerned nothing is proven until all the Consoles are out and because when the press uses something doesnt mean Shit you really think MS would give them a console that doesnt work to use :/.

[H0RSE]

@GTgamer

"Quick question @WB did we know about the X360 RROD before or after :/ oh yeah it was after lanuch so as far as im concerned nothing is proven until all the Consoles are out "

- Well if you're concerned nothing is proven until consoles are out, why are you convinced that CBOAT is right about his claims? Going with your mindset, wouldn't it be more reasonable to wait until the consoles launch to credit/discredit anything he says? Seems a bit of a double standard to me.

"because when the press uses something doesnt mean Shit you really think MS would give them a console that doesnt work to use :/."

- Seeing how consoles have failed at live events on multiple occasions for more than one company, I don't see it as that far of a stretch... Furthermore, A company can only avoid giving the press a faulty product, if they themselves are aware it is faulty.

[Hicken]

He's been right far more times than he's been wrong.

But, of course, that doesn't count for you, because then you couldn't spout this BS like it was the truth.

Then again, knowing you, you'd do it anyway.

[theWB27]

What BS? That the system works or that both systems allow DRM to be implemented by the devs?

I just proved Sony allows this in the links. I'd think the people out there playing the system proves it works.

Then again, giving links from actual people backing up the BS I spout doesn't mean much either. Would you like to disprove Sony and Micro allowing DRM to be put in place by the devs?

Have a good one : )

[Hicken]

Good job glossing over CBOAT's reliability. As I said, it's easier for you to pretend he's wrong all the time than to admit he's right more often than not.

Edit: Yeah, cuz them scaling back the launch and whatever this crap happens to be DEFINITELY sounds like it's ready.

[theWB27]

I pointed out he was wrong about the biggest thing going against the X1...the point it wasn't ready. That cause more hysteria than anything else he's reported...and it was wrong. That's not saying he's wrong all the time.

But, people like you want to believe the worst cause it makes you feel better. So gloss over how we was wrong about the biggest news running these past few months...this news falls in line with it moreso than resolution.

[rainslacker]

I think the point people are trying to make is that he's also been right about some of the biggest issues MS has had with the X1 as well.

However, this particular comment of his in the article was not really releasing insider info, just a thought of his in general. Something that as you say Sony has said they will leave up to publishers, and it's likely MS will as well.

[H0RSE]

I think the point many are missing, is the fact that he's wrong at all.

If you're going to make accusations, especially bold and/or controversial ones, and not be 100% accurate, then the community should be skeptical of everything you say, especially considering, what exactly are his credentials?

From what I know, he isn't developer, nor does he work with Sony or Microsoft.

[rainslacker]

@Horse

No doubt. Any anonymous source should be taken with a bit of skepticism. However, if that same source is also right more often than they are wrong, then it does lend more weight to what they are saying. Some times the way they are right is different than the way it is presented or perceived...possibly through the telephone game effect where the story changes as it gets passed along.

We obviously don't know his credentials, because he is anonymous, however Gaf does verify it's sources, so there is at least some level of authenticity to it, if you trust Gaf moderators that is. I don't believe they have any reason to go against this policy though just to fan the flames, despite those that claim Gaf is a fan boy haven.

There are many positions within the industry that lend itself to knowing all sorts of insider info. You don't really need to be a developer to be in the know. The industry itself is rather insular, and most people know everyone else within a few degrees of separation if they've been doing it for more than a few years.

I personally don't take the guys word as gospel. However, his "leaks" often lead to interesting thoughts and discussions when the console war stuff is left out of it.

[Mikey94]

Sorry to tell you but this rumor was already turned down hella fast its saying its not true. So nothing to see here people move on. Just another dumb rumor that was made up to try and make xbox one look bad. Sony fanboys are on a roll this year with the rumors.

[Shad0wRunner]

Actually, all Albert Penello said to the DRM being true or not was.... "no."

IF you believe that...and some of us dont.

[wishingW3L]

nope. And he's not the only one. The guy that got his consoles banned doesn't even let him access the settings of the console.

http://www.product-reviews....

[Sevir]

Not sure about that one, the PS4 version lists Offline play as an option...
http://i0.wp.com/gearnuke.c...

So it seems Cboat's thing is factual since the Xbox version apparently can't be played offline, given that the guy has been banned and Xbox live is disabled with the ban, even though he downloaded the day one update for the XBO...
It's true!! And once again MS proves fears right! Draconian policies are still in play...

[Chris12]

Wrong again, Albert responds in full.

FYI it's 11pm on a Sunday, so people aren't exactly quick to respond to work email. I wanted to check in before I shut-down for the evening. This is what I believe is going on:

We still have two more weeks before launch - the console is in a pre-release state. We are doing regular updates - I personally took one a few minutes before he posted. His build is now old. This is why we were saying we didn't want people on early - it's not done yet.

This behavior is only because we are in pre-release. When we launch, console will work exactly as you expect today on 360.

For sure this has nothing to do with requiring a connection. There is no "DRM removal" in the Day One update because none of the consoles were ever built with that stuff in it.

This also has nothing to do with COD. The Day One update just brings the SW up to date with the latest versions vs. what's on the box. But there is no 24 check in, that's for sure.

[Sevir]

@Chris, So they bann the console, and offline play is completely unavailable and the PS4 version clearly states "Offline Play Supported" and I'm the one that's wrong!... Not really buying that one!

[Chris12]

You're right, this is N4G. MS clarifies then it's PR or BS. Sony clarifies and we're having street parties and group hugs. Do me a favour.

[AD705]

Cboat may have been right about a lot of things but I highly doubt MS will implement those DRM policies again when they have already done so much damage to their image for the past 6 months.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So maybe somebody should be asking Activision what's up with their game? Just a thought...

[Jeedai Infidel]

I've been asking them that for years.

[g-nome]

Clearly the xbox one and ps4 are both still works in progress , expect quite a few updates to 'fix' things in the next few months.

[YeIIowSn0w]

Hasn't the possibility of devs enforcing drm on a game to game basis been known for months now?

[MightyNoX]

"DRM is built into the system. We can't just flip a switch and make it go away." Larry Hryb

[SaveFerris]

I wonder which console Cboat will be buying?

[WeAreLegion]

Neither. He seems upset with Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo lately.

[jackanderson1985]

both MS and Sony have said that DRM is now up to the game makers/publishers... if COD is unplayable offline then it's an Activision enforced DRM not sure why MS would take the hit for this one

[bornsinner]

who cares my internets great & i never played 360 without the internet, drm thing never bothered me & probably didn't bother most of the world, it's retarded how people got upset over it since an online game requires an internet connection... would morons get mad if they couldnt play cod multiplayer because its online only. i think its more of an excuse to ensure it was possible to pirate in the future as drm would certainly kill that possibility

[5eriously]

@theWB27 and other shills. Explain this then!

Why cant he play offline? He had the unit updated and everything worked before the ban?

http://gamersyndrome.com/20...

Why does Pe.anut.nello say No! but then he still has to "look into it" ?

http://www.spawnfirst.com/n...

What's to hide?

What a self imposed PR nightmare! Cancelled preorder I do not trust these M$ scammers anymore!

https://twitter.com/albertp...

[jackanderson1985]

first point i believe has been down to the OS being locked out due to an update being issued that he wasn't able to receive as he's been locked outta Xbox Live and people were explaining on NeoGaf it's likely due to the code on the consoles being time locked

Penello explained that he was looking into it for further clarification behind it which I do believe he later provided

even if COD was unplayable offline, it'd be a Activision implementation, both Sony and MS have said that DRM will be up to publishers/devs (i believe WB27 provided the link with the Sony one)

[urwifeminder]

I was getting it either way pre ordered before drm was removed so no big deal.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

If folks wants to know why this DRM has come up from CBOAT. It was exposed yesterday morning hat Sony had the same exavt DRM policy in place but won't get posted. This article is floating around on the internet.

http://uk.playstation.com/l...

[MasterCornholio]

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

Nope ever since February the VP of Sony entertainment america said that we could play the console without an internet connection. That means no DRM policy like Microsoft's which forced you check online once every 24 hours.

Thanks

Nexus 7 2013

[Goku781]

CBOAT is usually right, some people just don't wanna believe what he says about Xbox One.

[Max-Zorin]

If CBOAT was a religion half of this community would be priests and popes.

[theXtReMe1]

If this is true, it would be one of the biggest and most public cases of bait and switch ever perpetrated. Promising a feature wouldn't be present, only to make it a feature that could be enabled on a software level. Very sneaky and underhanded. God help Microsoft if this is true. Guaranteed, a ton of people are going to cancel preorders and become Playstation fans. Though, I thought Activision also said that they thought used games were good for the industry and that limiting the way people play, would only limit the industry. I guess Kotick is now sleeping with Gates, to singlehandedly control the game world. I guess Tim Schaffer was correct when he said Kotick was "a prick".

Regardless, this is not good news for the industry. Once a publisher as big as Activision thrusts this upon one of its biggest franchises... Who knows how many other publishers will follow suit. Then, its only a matter of time until Kotick threatens Sony with lack of support over DRM and Sony loses support of one of the biggest publishers in the industry. Or gives in and we are faced with the same reality.

All of this is conjecture, at this point though, and only contingent upon this story being true. If it is, God help us all.

[Convas]

That was a whole lot of conjecture over some pre-release operating system woes.

[mhunterjr]

Not sure what the deal is with the x1 system updates, but publishers have always had the power in implement there own DRM.

UPlay Passport and EA Online pass were both attempts to make users register their games before giving them access to the full game.

After MS' DRM debacle, Sony announced that any DRM measures would be strictly up to the publisher on PS4, just as they are on PS3.

CBOATs statement isn't news at all.

[jjind]

Same dud that said XB1 couldn't do 1080p but some how NBA2k14 is 1080p 60fps as well as Forza on XB1.. CBoat GTFOH! No wonder his crap is always so vague. You don't like the XB1 then don't buy it. Simple.

[PFFT]

Dont forget about Need For Speed. 1080p with PC like graphics. That guy is full of crap. No if's or buts about it. Hopefully MS traces him and fires his worthless arse.

[jjind]

Exactly!!

The following is from the guy who got his Xbox One & COD: Ghosts early:

"If your console is banned you disconnect from the internet and you are able to play offline!!!!!!" - @Moonlightsmani 2:23 PM - 11 Nov 13

So yea so much for that "hint" Cjoke...I mean Cboat

[Phoenix76]

If this turns out to be true then micro-soft should rename themselves to "Micro-shaft". Because that's what they will be doing to consumers..... Shafting them!

[TristanPR77]

I wish this website implements another system for the comments like discuss or something else that updates automatically.

[Patychess73]

You guys are funny , you know nothing about corporations and how they work , you follow comments like its gospel , you talk about a system that's not even out yet . You people get into much heated fanboyism like its your morning crack . For those who talk about Xbox like your going to buy the system but must complain about every god dam thing , please go fuck yourselves or get out of your family basement and get a job for fuck sake . You people are probably like that fat fuck on YouTube . I'm out

[sAVAge_bEaST]

You Mad Bro? -I read that as if your Lively Hood is dependent on this launch.. How do you know what goes on inside these corporations.. unless you work for One.

I like how you made an account 3 days ago, but know N4G so well, Yea were all Fat slobs, in our mothers basements http://gifrific.com/wp-cont...

[Pogue1906]

On top of the comments, why does it say HOPEFULLY on the bar where it ask is this rumor true?

[Loki86]

DRM was Mattrick's future for gaming, he is gone now and they are trying to do undo years worth of work. This patch was best solution since the architecture was built from the ground up for a cloud-based future. If MS says it no longer exists then it no longer exists. You are not entitled and do not pay for day-to-day updates on development or get to know everytime there is a fixable problems because of how bad gaming media has become. It is very sad that this is the state of the community where we will believe a supposed "insider" over engineers and people who see the system everyday. Just drop the doomsday attitude and WAIT till the 22nd to cast judgement.

[47]

Um, publishers have the ability to do this NOW and they'll have the ability to do it next gen as well. Yes even with the precious PS4. CBOAT is stating the painfully obvious here in order to impress a bunch of ignorant fanboys.

[bleedsoe9mm]

guess what , the top 3 games (by most people) from E3 , titanfall , Destiny , and The division , are all online games . so does it really matter if some games are using "the cloud" to be functional .

[Patychess73]

hey savage_beast yes I'm new to the writing part but been a n4g reader since you been in the fakestation asshole .and no I'm not dependent on the launch of a console but it seems that you are thou , what's the matter you have no job or something . You see , I'm neither for Sony or Microsoft I'm just for the gamer and i will be getting both this Friday and next Friday and I'll probably sell the ps4 to some desperate fan who couldn't get one on launch day but for more money , you know I'm psgreedy and shit. I'm out bitches .

[famoussasjohn]

As with both PS4 and Xbox, they both have said it would be up to the developer in regards to the always online stuff. If it's true in regards to Activation doing this for COD, then that's a shame.

Though Sony thinks it's unlikely, it's still possible depending on the developer.
http://www.bit-tech.net/new...

[BX81]

Wait... So let me get this straight. MS disables DRM but devs can still activate it for their game if they want (rumor) and this is some how a poor reflection on MS?