Microsoft creative director on always-on console: #dealwithit

[lawfer]

Why on earth would you buy a console that requires always-on connection? It's not even about the internet requirement. It's also the fact you won't be able to play used games.

Not being able to play used games don't bother me. I don't think I've bought a used game for either the 360 or PS3 and if there is a game I want to play I usually wait until it hits a bargain price. I already leave my PS3 and Xbox 360 running for days on end so having an always on internet connection doesn't bother me.

Chances are Microsoft will ship with the next Xbox with an always on requirement. That being said, if sales numbers are very low because of this requirement Microsoft will probably eliminate it with a massive update and a removal from future next Xboxes.

Or, as someone pointed out, this could be a feeler and based on negative feedback they won't do anything like this at all. We'll see.

You do realize the whole deal is if your internet goes down, so does your game (even if single player), right? Right? No?

Even if your internet is always flawless, which it is isn't, it poses the question: Why always-on? Well, it's clearly DRM. They will use it to update the system/apps/games, but the main use is DRM. If the Xbox has grown to become a media consumption device more so than an actual gaming console as they've said, then the thinking behind always-on seems rather confusing. Especially coming from MS who's known for their usage-tracking programs on their products, which they later use to base new feature implementations on.

Even if internet outages don't apply to you, this still means you won't be able to take your Xbox and play it on a friend's house; or that friend won't be able to bring his/her game to your house because it just won't work.

Granted this is all still rumor. And I know for a fact this was planned in the pre-production process (my brother-in-law works for MS). What no one knows is whether this is still in place. With all the negative feedback, it might as well not be, but MS has been acting stupid the last couple of years so it wouldn't surprise me.

 

[shamus087]

He was probably like, "I got an idea! Lets make the console always need a connection! That way it'll be easy to fight the pirates!"

Here's how I'll "deal with it" with this kinda attitude it'll be really easy to leave the microsoft gaming system. Here I come Sony!

 

[Geforcepat]

Patrick will not be spending his money on the crapbox next.so #dealwiththat

 

[cmbjive]

You do realize the whole deal is if your internet goes down, so does your game (even if single player), right? Right? No?

Even if your internet is always flawless, which it is isn't, it poses the question: Why always-on? Well, it's clearly DRM. They will use it to update the system/apps/games, but the main use is DRM. If the Xbox has grown to become a media consumption device more so than an actual gaming console as they've said, then the thinking behind always-on seems rather confusing. Especially coming from MS who's known for their usage-tracking programs on their products, which they later use to base new feature implementations on.

Even if internet outages don't apply to you, this still means you won't be able to take your Xbox and play it on a friend's house; or that friend won't be able to bring his/her game to your house because it just won't work.

Granted this is all still rumor. And I know for a fact this was planned in the pre-production process (my brother-in-law works for MS). What no one knows is whether this is still in place. With all the negative feedback, it might as well not be, but MS has been acting stupid the last couple of years so it wouldn't surprise me.

Hey, all of your concerns are duly noted. For me it's consistency. I've been buying every system since the Sega Genesis. I'm not going to let always on internet and DRM stop me from buying a 720 on day one. If I experience issues with the 720 I'll have the PS4 and vice versa. I just don't see always on connection as big concern, but I certainly understand where you guys are coming from.

Not trying to convince anyone of my position as I am definitely in the minority here and on every gaming website I visit.

 

[veLa]

There are still plenty of places where people don't have broadband so this requirement is absurd. I already have a 360 that I hardly use for gaming (I have a gaming rig for this), so I guess I can hold on to it since I do enjoy having living room netflix.

 

[Lurker101]

Perhaps it's time for Microsoft to go see a doctor or a psychiatrist because it seems to be developing an almost catatonic fear of success, coupled with a heavy allergic reaction to money. I'm pretty sure that's what's going since I can't seem to find any other explanation as to just what their problem is.

First they go all out to alienate their desktop userbase and initially you could forgive them for the rebranding and new user interface. Maybe they were going through an identity crisis when they were asked "If you're called Windows then why is your logo a flag?". Unfortunately, that train of thought left the platform and headed straight towards Screw You Station with no other stops in between as they kept telling potential customers such reassuring wonders like "It might not be as good as before but you'll get used to it." and "We don't want you to have a choice, so you're not getting one.".

Now we get to find out that it's not just a single release or platform issue as they're doing their best to ensure their next generation console sells about as well as Ebola Cereals last album. If Microsoft aren't genuinely terrified of money, then perhaps it's time they got the entirety of their customer relations department sectioned. If they are terrified of money, then perhaps they should drop all pretence and just announce that the new console is going to be a hollowed out cereal box with a Raspberry Pi glued to the inside with half a squirt of PVA.

It's days like this that I almost feel sorry for Bill Gates. He tried ever so hard sculpting a technological giant. Even going so far as to sit side by side with the rest of the programmers, helping to make each release as smooth and sensible as possible. I'm not saying he succeeded, but at least he tried. He was prepared to listen to the userbase, add features that were asked for and get rid of the annoyances that could've seen Microsoft employees lynched on their way home (clippy, anybody?). He did what he could to spread out the Microsoft formula to mobile platforming with mobile phones and pocket PCs. He genuinely cared and he genuinely tried.

Now he's gotten his head stuck in a bucket of doo lally, forgotten that he isn't Captain America while he's out on his crusader mission to save the world from killer diseases and condoms and all of his old buddies are doing their absolute best to sink Microsoft so far into the ground, there's a good chance it will melt in the Earths core, as an elaborate smokescreen to hide just how much of the companys finances they're dumping into their own bank accounts.

Like I said, I almost feel sorry for him. Then I take a quick second to remember that he has more money than God and all emotion is washed aside.

 

[Relic]

Looks like I'll be taking my money elsewhere. #dealwithit

 

[Prosercunus]

So is this now acceptable for a professional to behave? "dealwithit".

Great public relations there. I think you just convinced me to stick with my PC.

 

[hahahanoobs]

Is M$ so cocky because they know Sony is going to be doing the same?

 

[Tygerstrike]

I highly doubt that MS even gives a damn about their customer base. MS has been so butthurt over the used video game industry. They are greedy bastards who believe that they deserve a piece of the used video game market. A market I remind you that was created BY THE CUSTOMERS!!!!! It was the customers who sat there and realized that $50-$80 bucks per game really wasnt worth it. Once you have completed your game, it sat there gathering dust. Once the used video game market became a reality, New video game purchases went up. Now that MS is activly trying to kill a market that they have no business in, we will see MS game sales drop.

 

[SammyJames]

Every day that passes showing even more spite from Redmond is another day upon which I reconsider my decision to "go pro" with MS products. At some point, it might become economically impossible for me to continue using such expensive products, and I may have to install some version of Ubuntu and live with it. Or, I might just cross-grade to a nice Android device.

At any rate, it almost doesn't matter. I don't do enough gaming on my computer to care much about games. I'd be happy to buy a Sony PS 4 when it comes out, and that will take care of my entertainment needs. What I need from a PC is a solid workstation. Whichever company can win that prize will win my money, period.

 

[Jad Chaar]

Just because of this attitude, sales probably wont be as good as the PS4.

 

[kuroiei]

Oh, okay. Wait a second, I'll put my IT wresting costume...

First of all - I've hold up my growing disgust for M$ for quite some time now, mainly because I tolerate that a product can have it's purpose and I might not be the target customer. Saying that I'll add that I'm a CGI artist, and I use my PC for WORK. It's a tricky little thing connected to productivity. I don't game much, so I don't even look at an XBox. So, I demand an efficient, solid system and a clear, readable and accessible work environment. Not much to ask, huh? Well, it seems I'm wrong.

I need to love tablets. I need to love touchscreens. I need to be always-on, have huge, colorful tiles, semi-transparent windows and stuff that pops up, pops out, pops in, spins and does splits while juggling freaking IE icons all around the fraggin' place!

The point is - I'm in no position to choose. The apps I work with are written for Windows. The only good thing that came from M$ in the couple last years (note - for me!) is Windows 7. A stable, plain (after modding and turning those juggling clowns off), 64-bit system. I was lucky that it came along. And after that? "No more Service Packs for W7" (the only one that came out was mainly for Windows Server Edition anyway...). "Windows 8 annouced!" "Windows Blue!" And now: "Always-on!". And it's fine, I've already got what I wanted. But the ATTITUDE! The customer-developer relation! You could explain like a human being. You could just give the straight facts, and cut off the discussion saying, that there's nothing that can be done. But "#dealwithit"? Seriously?!

MICROSHAFT... WHT R U DOIN? MICROSHAFT... STAHP!

 

[treetops]

I know a lot of people who have a modern console but no internet connection. They are going to lose a ton of sales. Hopefully they are smart enough to let people plug their phones into the new console and get internet that way. Still its just a needless pain in the butt that is going to cost them insane sales numbers.

 

[SammyJames]

I need to love tablets. I need to love touchscreens. I need to be always-on, have huge, colorful tiles, semi-transparent windows and stuff that pops up, pops out, pops in, spins and does splits while juggling freaking IE icons all around the fraggin' place!

The point is - I'm in no position to choose. The apps I work with are written for Windows.

I understand completely. Me saying that I could "cross-grade to Android" is a serious joke. I feel the same way that you do, except in my case, I am a musician who uses a PC to create content.

I've had many opportunities to buy Macs, but I hate Apple, Macintosh computers, iPads, iPhones, iPods, and the entire iOS/Mac OSX line of software crapola.

I'm one of those rare music-types who doesn't get all fluttery when Apple releases some new "Cat-powered" OS. I don't use Logic. I use Cubase.

Deal with it? Okay -- I will. I'll deal with it -- by never parting with my beloved Windows 7.

There's a reason why I occasionally create a DVD containing a Windows Repair disc...

 

[Xclusiveitalian]

I wasn't getting a 720 anyway but its fun to watch the ship burn and sink so slowly...No exclusives, weaker system then ps4, always on DRM, forced to save everything to your Hard drive.

 

[GunsAblazin]

This guy is a *****. 20% of Americans don't have internet and it's not because they just don't want it. It's because the infrastructure just isn't there or many other valid reasons. If he speaks for Microsoft, they are more out of touch than I thought. No wonder they make so much stupid decisions.

 

[gamoniac]

I really don't have a problem with always-online requirement. But I also can't think of a reason why they should make it so. DRM is the only reason, and it seems to really piss everyone off.

 

[Guest]

There are so many reasons why I don't want any always-online device, game or other. And even less so, do I want a big brother spy-box, always online, having a camera (kinect) pointed at my face 24/7. You'd have to be a damn fool not to be able to imagine how such a combination of invasion to privacy could be used. I can't believe that anyone would ever defend the always-online policy. You'd have to be the most naive child on the face of the Earth. The last thing I want is to come off as some conspiracy freak here, but even that's better than sounding like a baby still wet behind the ears. I simply hate the way technology is going these days, and yeah, it's starting to freak me out a little bit. Everybody's carrying around a GPS in their pocket (phones), there are street/traffic cameras everywhere, and now... Microsoft expects us to invite their spy-box into our homes. It's not like people aren't already stupid enough to share their entire lives on Facebook. Microsoft's spy-box is all but superfluous. Oh I'm sure it's not as bad as I make it sound here. Then again, I'd never really feel entirely secure in that conviction. Would you?

Now, let's get real. It's always-online now, and later it's subscription fees for all games. This is where we're heading, and you better believe it. It's all about business, anti-piracy and milking gamers for money. I'm starting to feel real stupid for being a paying customer.

 

[Guest]

Sure M$ go right ahead. You just 'deal with it' when you see the consequences.

 

[fimbles]

Bring on the pirated "always-off" games.

 

[Timonius]

Heh, he says "always on", not "always online" (the 360 and ps3 are already "always on". Plugged a USB into my "off" 360, and it lit up for a few seconds). So I'll bet that he is just a douche that is trolling people.
Wouldn't be surprised if we saw an article about how this guy got fired and how he has to #dealwithit

Almost everything you plug into an AC outlet draws power even if it is 'off'. But you make a very good point.

Yeah it's not cool how this guy is #dealingwiththepublic. People also overreact. Personally I think he's just trolling and perhaps M$ is behind it to gain attention.

 

[Guest]

All the people with zero cable internet are going to be pissed. Plus all the people who have Xbox in their cottages, etc... who now need internet to connect... lol

I know several people who use their Verizon Phones w/hot dock... as thousands of homes in his neighborhood only have Satellite, or Cell access to internet. Not even DSL... these are $300K houses, 20 miles from a major city.

I live 10miles from him and have had cable internet, since 1994...



So, always-on is bad business practice, it alienates you customers.

 

[Adhmuz]

I can honestly careless about the next gen consoles because they're going to be trash, but arrogance like this is just downright wrong and absolutely pathetic. I hope this schmuck gets fired and never finds a job again. Then he can deal with it. In regards to this always on DRM stupidity, your F-ing micro$oft, I'm sure you can come up with a better solution to "always on" or have you grown too fat lazy and bloated with time to think with your head and not your wallet. But alas this is all a waste of time, the masses will buy this new pos console when its launched, and you can bet in droves. I refuse to buy anything that needs internet to function, to me thats just a design flaw and or limitation, I spend too much time away from it to take that chance. One last time Adam Orth, your a chauvinist who doesn't deserve what you have, you should listen to your customers, not tell them to deal with it. One of these fan-boys may be crazy enough to find you, and heck knows what they'll want to do to you. But hey, just deal with it.

 

[Wendig0]

1)Insult 75% of North America on Twitter
2)Make Twitter account private

Adam Orth is a douchebag, and unfortunately he's probably also a registered voter.