Edge has a bunch of rumors on the next Microsoft Xbox. The juiciest of which is that it won’t play used games. Console manufacturers and videogame publishers have been happily working towards this, while retailers and consumers have been fearing and loathing these developments. Here’s a quote from the article:
Microsoft’s next console will require an Internet connection in order to function, ruling out a second-hand game market for the platform.
The article also covers the rumored innards of the next Xbox, which include, “an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.” To me, the blocking of used games is much more fascinating than the hardware specs, since it will have massive repercussions and result in record-breaking gamer rage. While I personally don’t care about the used-game issue, I’m totally ready to sit back, munch on some popcorn, and watch the mother of all flame wars ensue (should this come to pass).
How do you feel about the rumor of the next Xbox not playing used games? Do you think it’s bunk? Is it too soon for such a drastic measure? Or is this simple where the gaming business is going? Does a required Internet connection limit the console’s appeal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
As long as steambox can be relevant then perhaps there will be price competition on digital sales. Then again EA hasn’t taken that cue with origin yet.
That processor sounds underwhelming. Even more so if the rumor is a typo and meant ARM.
If it’s going to require an Internet connection all the time wtf is going to happen when ISPs go down. I’d like to still be able to play games also since it’s always connected is it going to be using data?
Great question. Presumably it would look for authentication once, but you never know….
This is a big issue for me too. Popcap games have this issue bad right now. If my xbox isn’t connected to the internet I can’t play Plants vs. Zombies or Peggle, it only allows me to play the demo.
I dare to think that Microsoft isn’t that stupid, so I shall dismiss this as a completely speculative rumor and not get worked up about it. I have other, more important things that I would like to dedicate my brain power to; like how to score a new copy of Assassin’s Creed 3 for under $30.
-M
Developers and publishers wouldn’t think the move is stupid, no?
Well, of course not, no. But I like to think that I live in this fantasy land where the wants and desires of consumers steer the offerings and products of producers (publishers and developers). So if there is to be a massive rage amongst the core of your customers clamoring for something they do not want, I have to assume that there is at least one person at these companies that will say something like “Hey, wait a minute. May be we ought to think about how our customers will respond to this.” … and not be totally deluded by answering back: “Of course our customers will absolutely LOVE this function!”
-M
Next you’ll say that you we live in a country where politicians look out for our interests. :p
What if MS rushes the release date for the new console (again) and something like the RROD happens (again).
Will all the games I bought now be considered used and therefore worthless? Who will compensate me for that loss?
A: No one.
-M
I found this article relevant to the used game conversation:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/121836-German-Consumer-Group-Sues-Valve
All I have to say is that if we have a similar lawsuit here, I will do a kickstarter to raise enough money to buy the absolute best legal team possible to fight this in court. I will hire Ralph Nader to lead the team if possible.
Just the threat of this suit should be enough to scare the publishers and developers into thinking twice before bogarting their customers on used game sales.
-M
i am not a lawyer but i wonder if that TOS you agreed to negates this?
Considering that Ralph Nader said that videogames are “electronic child molesters ” I don’t think he’ll be leading the charge.
Oh… yeah. That’s right. He did say that, didn’t he? Pity. I wish I could convince him that video games never molested us when we were kids.
Except maybe for N8. He seems like he got touched in inappropriate places by Resident Evil 2.
-M
Sounds like Microsoft is gonna make it really easy for us over at the SDF this gen.