110°

Why the next Xbox won't be always online or block used games

OXM's editor Jon Hicks shoots down today's big next gen rumour. "There's a germ of truth in it, which I'll get to, but releasing a console with those two requirements would be totally counter to what Microsoft needs from the next console."

bicfitness4528d ago

A lot of these "they can't", "they simply wouldn't" wishful thinking sort of stories popping up. First Sterling's, now this. MS are a corporation, they aren't making consoles for charity, but for money. And they came from the PC space first, which has serial codes bundled with every game or games locked to service accounts. This is nothing new for them. Or for PC gamers. Someone argued to the contrary about this in another thread, but they simply don't know what they're talking about. PC games, not just online ones come bundled with serial codes, with very exceptions. You enter the serial code when you install the game.

So no, it wouldn't be outside of the realm of possibility for MS to do this. They won't care about throwing one segment of consumers under the bus in favour of constant, dependable Live subscriptions and DLC buyers. Now it remains to be seen if A.) this rumour is true. Though as we get closer to console announcements, the weight of truth > BS has been shifting and more 'rumours' are seeming credible - you just can't hide this stuff from a console set to launch in 6ish months. B.) If Sony will follow suit.

Jam_sponge4528d ago

As the article points out, the industry's efforts to lock out pre-owned PC gamers are far from a success, and a console armed with a unilateral pre-owned block would face a huge, huge disadvantage at launch.

You're right, Microsoft exists to make money. This would be a terrible way of going about that.

Belking4528d ago

"You're right, Microsoft exists to make money. "

Just like any other business.I can assure not only MS exists to make money.

bicfitness4528d ago (Edited 4528d ago )

Except PCs are OPEN, whereas consoles are CLOSED systems. So hacking, circumventing always-on DRM is par for the course with PC gaming. Its hardly so for consoles, at least no where on the same scale with regards to user concentration. That would actually be appealing to certain publishers, the idea of "locked in" games on a "locked" system. Can't get more DRMish than that.

MS come from a PC heritage, this is actually a natural move for them - people keep avoiding that fact. While I personally think that this is a bad move, I don't think that its one that would impact their paying consumer base all that much. People drum up all sorts of ire and negativity online, but that rarely translates into consumer apathy in the real world. The 40 million or whatever who readily hand over $60/ year just for the privilege of playing online have already been conditioned for this sort of move and will eat their lumps and carry on.

theBAWSE4528d ago

Official Xbox magazine.....they know nothing just like edge its all speculation of corse oxm are wishing praying the stories from edge ain't true

just wait for the official word from ms

decrypt4528d ago (Edited 4528d ago )

@Bicfiness

Dont get the PC into this, clearly its the Console gamers getting hosed again. PC games cost darn cheap, meanwhile console gamers will be paying 60usd+ per game.

PC games are on discount few weeks after launch, hell many can even be had for insane discounts pre launch, i personally purchased Tombraider for 34usd few weeks back.

Even when a PC game does come infested with always on DRM, the PC is an open platform, the game gets hacked to shreds within a few days.

Meanwhile consoles are locked down platforms, you wont be seeing games getting cracked on those platforms.

I wouldnt be surprised if Sony and MS join hands on this one. Eventually console gamers will take it up the hind just like usual.

No BC
High price games
over priced accessories
locked down old hardware
Pay to go online
Day one DLC
the list goes on

dirigiblebill4528d ago

"So hacking, circumventing always-on DRM is par for the course with PC gaming."

But this isn't about hacking - it's about damaging your profile via needlessly draconian preventative measures and deterring potential customers. Attempts to control how players make use of their purchases via online have, provably, hit the likes of Ubisoft square in the publicity glands. Do you really think Microsoft is going to risk that kind of fallout - which would absolutely extend to the enthusiasts who account for a high proportion of launch purchases - when they're trying to sell a new console? Do you really think they want the stigma of being the only anti-pre-owned next gen outfit in town?

Microsoft's big gameplan is to turn everybody into online customers, true - that way they don't have to deal with the retailers - but doing it this way means crippling the next Xbox straight out the door.

SilentNegotiator4528d ago

Neither MS or Sony will go always online or block used. They would have to have rocks for brains. Areas with bad internet are still a big chunk of console sales. Wii U already allows used games, so PS4/720 coming out and saying "Hey! We won't let you do what the currently released systems do!" would be a major disadvantage.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4528d ago
Outside_ofthe_Box4528d ago (Edited 4528d ago )

It won't happen and isn't wishful thinking to think so. MS would NOT sell as many hardware AND software as they did this gen if they were to along with the absurd idea of requiring the 720 to be online in order to function and block used games on top of that. MS has sold 70+ million consoles this gen and the numbers will continue to grow. So why drastically change things?

I don't see how implementing the idiotic crap in rumors into the 720 will guarantee them more revenue. If they truly want money they wouldn't do that B.S.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4528d ago

"Ascend: New Gods Beta Coming, Requires Online Connection"
http://www.ign.com/articles...

InMyOpinion4528d ago

Most online betas require an online connection lol.

Try playing the Crysis 3 beta online. Or Dust 541. Don't get what point you are trying to make.

user39158004528d ago

Its rumour and I will treated as such, but if they did, then executive are looking at it with the prospect of earn income. Problem is 360 has 40 million online while the other35 million is not, thats a huge amount to loose and make or not, what keeps you alive are gamers. I only see the model working if MS gives it out nearly free in some kind of sunscription were gamers pay an amount for lets say 2 year connection. 99 dollars to start services and a monthly fee. They will have so much sales even if they block used game, but allow dowloads to be register. Im thinking, if MS could strike a deal with comcast/time warner/ and all major internet providers to suply the box with their cable, they will have a seious break through. Cable plan 2 years and charges maintenance fee, while ms charge subscrition, lol... Rachet I tell you. Anyways, it will be a missed if they do block used games, cause you will have a backlashed of contempt gamers in the millions.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4528d ago
Jazz41084528d ago

Finally a article that makes sense. All edge is doing is trying to get ms to talk and make a reveal and there hurting the industry doing this. I hope this comes back and bites them in the butt. Isnt edge owned by best buy?

Knight_Crawler4528d ago

This why I belive that N4G is one of the most bias gaming sites in the world.

Hip Hop Gamer got banned becasue people reported him for having over the top headlines and over the top rumors on his articles but edge gets a free pass for doing the same thing -__-

NastyLeftHook04528d ago

LMAO! this shit is hilarious!

why "this"

why this will,

why this wont

lmao!

come on people wait for feb 20th.

Jek_Porkins4528d ago

Anyone who believes Microsoft will block used games and always require you to be online is foolish. Yes they are a corporation and want to make money, but XBL more than makes up any money they lose on used games.

Microsoft would alienate themselves from roughly half their market share if they did these things. Around 80 million Xbox 360's are out there, only a little over 40 million are Xbox Live members. That isn't losing a little money, that is losing half your money! Think and use your head before believing every single little rumor.

Microsoft wouldn't risk being the only console this generation to cut out used games, we know Nintendo allowed used games with the Wii U. Microsoft and Sony aren't going to talk and say one way or the other if they'd do that, it'd be suicide to be the only company to block used games.

Let's not panic and say "I'm not buying it!", because we haven't heard a single confirmed piece of information from Microsoft, anything right now is speculation.

rainslacker4528d ago (Edited 4528d ago )

I can see them automatically signing in people for whatever reason, much like the PS3 and 360 already do. It's a no brainer that if your going to do online stuff it would require an online connection. That however has nothing to do with locking out games, just like it doesn't now.

Forcing game lockout because someone isn't connected is just bad business. SimCity itself is losing a sale from me because of this, and there was quite a commotion over Diablo because of it. In the end they served no purpose but to alienate customers, and cause some problems for the honest consumers. The flimsy argument of piracy, or in this case 2nd hand games also, just didn't hold up, and it's something even Ubisoft re-evaluated because it just wasn't working and was causing more problems than it was worth.

Anti used game tech doesn't require an online connection, based on Sony's recent patent at least. But that doesn't mean that they will do it either. That tech could be used for a variety of purposes both in gaming and out.

I know we've seen remarks from publishers who want to push this issue, and I even understand why they want to push it. But that doesn't mean that what they want is what is good for the industry or the console manufacturers. That is the difference between publishers and console manufacturers. The publisher wants to maximize revenue by cutting out consumer choice, whereas the console manufacturers have to look at what people are willing to accept and what they can sell. Console makers have to be very tuned in to market trends and consumer spending habits because they have a lot more at stake than just video games publishing.

Soldierone4528d ago

I'm not so much scared of it being there, but the possibility of it being there. If they say it "can" do it, but launch without doing it, then whats stopping them from getting an install base and then going "oh btw, discs are locked now and you need to be online at least once an hour of gametime"

Now you are stuck with a console, and probably can't sell it since no one wants that DRM crap. I wanted DC Universe badly until they pulled the "code locked to account" stuff, then I passed on it.

rainslacker4528d ago (Edited 4528d ago )

They could possibly be sued for that. Introducing it later in the consoles life would cut off lifetime sales in a big way. Those that already have it, namely the hardcore, would not tolerated it. Even Steam is getting heat for that very thing, and it started with these premises in place for the most part. The casuals may not even realize that's the case, but it wouldn't take long for something so anti-consumer to make it's way to the mainstream media. MS isn't well loved by Americans, and their past anti-consumer practices have always made the mainstream press.

The only way I can see this happening is if the console makers leave it up to the publisher to decide, much like region locking on the PS3 is. If that's the case, at least we as consumers can avoid those games that decide to favor profits over consumers. The hate for the idea is strong on all sides of the fence, and I can't see this being something big publishers wouldn't try more than once or twice. The immediate and long term backlash would be a PR disaster.

I think if they do decide to do it, console makers should require big lettering or logo's somewhere on the box to indicate it is the case with that product. If publishers are so sure it will be accepted there is no reason for them to hide it in the small print on the back of the box like they do with online passes. Own your choices I say.

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110°

Xbox Mass layoffs Are Expected To Hit On July 2, 2025

The previously rumored mass layoffs at Xbox are expected to happen on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, according to a new rumor.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
7h ago
lukasmain3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

They will have fired close to 20,000 people all up after this round of lay-offs coming, since the ABK deal announcement in January 2022. Shocking really

January 2023:
Microsoft laid off 10,000 employees, which was a significant workforce reduction.

January 2024:
Approximately 1,900 gaming employees were laid off following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.

May 2025:
Microsoft announced a further 6,000 layoffs as part of an organizational shift.

June 2025:
Additional layoffs, including 650 in the gaming business, focused on corporate and support functions

Indawd2h ago

Xbox hasn’t laid off 20000 employees. Do they even have 20000 employees?

Terry_B1h ago

Microsoft has over 230000 employees.

Indawd46m ago(Edited 46m ago)

And over 95% of them don’t work at Xbox

Obscure_Observer2h ago

"They will have fired close to 20,000 people all up after this round of lay-offs coming, since the ABK deal announcement in January 2022. Shocking really"

It's not that shocking considering these numbers aren't just Xbox numbers as you're deliberately trying to make it seem for some reason.

Interestingly, another no shocking fact is that whenever Microsoft releases its quarterly earnings reports, you're quick to point out that those numbers aren't exclusive to Xbox. Yeah... go figure.

Hereandthere39m ago

Let's hope its not as bad as socials are making it, good luck to those that unfortunately lose their jobs.

Indawd27m ago

It might not even be real lol

One anonymous source started this entire rumor mill

240°

‘I think Xbox hardware is dead’, says Microsoft gaming veteran

One of the founding members of the Xbox team has questioned Microsoft’s multiplatform gaming strategy, and said they believe the Xbox hardware business is effectively “dead"

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
2d ago Replies(3)
Goodguy012d ago

Think that rumor that they'll still make a new console but at a profit at $1000 will be true though. The series consoles will remain their cheap alternative throughout next gen I would say. Keep in mind that game pass and pretty much going 3rd party is their main focus. They want to bring xbox everywhere.

2d ago
GamerRN1d 3h ago

If they don't maintain some kind of console presence, I think they will lose gamepass subscribers and just become a 3rd party publisher who eventually sells everything off

Cacabunga1d 2h ago

Xbox games are releasing on all platforms. Who needs this hardware? PS or PC is all you need

Flewid6381d 1h ago

I've never owned an Xbox in my life and I have GamePass.

thorstein1d ago

The only Xbox I owned was the 360. I have gamepass for my PC.

GamerRN19h ago

Majority of Gamepass users are currently on console...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 19h ago
crazyCoconuts1d 2h ago

Even if they could get it down to $800 for a box that can run with comparable performance to a PS6 (at, say $200 cheaper) the population of people willing to buy such a thing would be so limited.
It would be the worst of both worlds.

1d 22h ago
Futureshark1d 12h ago

A slow, painful and public death too.

Show all comments (66)
300°

Looming Xbox layoffs threaten Microsoft's reputation

Even as the company sets out to overhaul the very definition of Xbox, cuts at its studios risk creating a negative image reminiscent of EA's worst era

Read Full Story >>
gamesindustry.biz
Jingsing4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I appreciate the article but this guy must be living in a delayed universe, The reputation was ruined 10+ years ago and hasn't recovered since. As such people have voted with their wallets and stopped buying Xbox products in large amounts.

YourMommySpoils2d ago

Their reputation was lost way before that. From the moment Microsoft said they entering the console business, we all knew it would be a downgrade.

Bathyj2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

That's not true at all the OG Xbox had drive and they had hunger and they wanted to accomplish something. It was a great console.

they didn't quite reach their goals and they gave up prematurely because they couldn't win. It was halfway through the Xbox 360 when kinect released and that was when they lost their way and we're a rudderless ship ever since

Agent752d ago

In all fairness, Xbox had some great games with online play, Xbox 360 even better. Xbox consoles started to die with the Xbox One. Ditch consoles for the PC and PS.

YourMommySpoils1d 22h ago

@Bathyj hard to compute ay. Xbox was never better than a PC and that's all they ever were. A demo box. Doesn't get more true than that.

4d ago Replies(1)
isarai4d ago

What reputation is this threatening exactly? 😂

Lightning774d ago

Rumors of Turn 10 being either shut down or hit with massive lay offs is on the horizon.

The issue is MS will do something right only to do something very, very wrong. And they do this what seems calculative at this point. Doesn't matter what they do the Investors and leadership want more and more money an endless bottomless pit of purr insatiable greed. A company that acts like it's broke or hurting is what really, really infuriates me. They've surpassed apple again well over 3 trillion who acts like they're a million dollar company is fk stupid. Pivots and changes for no reason and can't do things for more than a year with out a pivot or changing their metrics.

Christopher3d ago

That would be really bad since Phil just hyped up next year as a big Forza year at Summer Game Fest.

1Victor3d ago

@christopher: “ That would be really bad since Phil just hyped up next year as a big Forza year at Summer Game Fest”
The key word big can be ether good or bad 🤷🏿only time can tell

DarXyde3d ago

First Forza being generated entirely via AI?

If any company would do it, it'd be them.

Nacho_Z2d ago

Isn't the point that it's irrelevant how profitable MS is, the suits have decided it's time that the Xbox division started making them money. Hence the layoffs, the pivots.

hennessey862d ago

That wouldn't surprise me, as motorsport has been heading down hill since the great number 4. Where as playground have consistently put out better games. I think the two studios will be merged under playground games banner.

3d ago Replies(2)
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