More Details on Always-Online Xbox Revealed

[avais1993]

RicardJulianti said:
So...hear me out....

What if Microsoft truly is in bed with EA and this is the result of them integrating Origin to some extent? If Nintendo wouldn't let them, why wouldn't they try to do so with another company? Microsoft has a history of moneyhatting studios to gain exclusive stuff after all. With Activision seemingly jumping ship to Sony, MS went to their competitor to keep a "top tier FPS" in their camp. MS will get exclusive/early content that will "draw players to their system" and EA gets server help, DRM to prevent piracy and a buttload of money.

Now, I don't think that is what is actually happening, it was merely a thought that occurred to me and it's not exactly out of the realm of possibility. Pure conversation starter really. I honestly hope MS doesn't have mandatory online....no good can come from it and the competition will run all over them.

I don't see why Microsoft let's rumors like this damage their reputation. It would be simple to just come out and say, "This isn't happening. Our next console will not require an online connection in order to play games. We have nothing more to announce at this time." It would actually build hype for their reveal (whenever that is) and would be some damage control. Instead, they lets things like this come out without so much as a "We don't comment on rumors and speculation." which even then is seen more as a confirmation than a denial.

When PS4 rumors like this were heating up, Sony said "screw it" to their plans of letting MS go first and revealed their console (kind of) and (mostly) ended the damaging rumors. There are still a lot of unknowns, vague comments about used games, and subscription charges....but the hype train has mostly overshadowed them.

Really interesting theory there, could be possible if EA gives microsoft a timed exclusive to fifa for 2-3 months, seriously, that could increase the sales of the Nextbox in europe ALOT but i doubt that would happen