An early player has just outed that Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare requires an always online connection.
This comes via a video displaying the Xbox 360 version. As soon as you enter the options menu, the game requires you connect and sign into Xbox Live. You can watch the video below.
Now, it is also worth considering that the Xbox One version will offer splitscreen local multiplayer, a feature only exclusive to that console. Knowing how online was planned for that console, and how it is still deeply integrated to it, it seems doubtful that you will be able to play Garden Warfare on Xbox One without connecting online as well.
So, why would Garden Warfare require a persistent online connection? While our source speculates microtransactions are the answer, Popcap has already revealed the game won’t be launching with any microtransactions at all. I would posit that it’s entirely possible the game itself may be partially or fully hosted online in some capacity. Wouldn’t it be something if this was Microsoft’s early test at streaming a game?
Of course, another possibility is that EA/Popcap/Microsoft is discreetly collecting customer data, or all three. We’re hoping Popcap will provide clarification on it soon, although at this rate we might be finding out after launch. Garden Warfare is launching tomorrow, February 25, on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.