Microsoft Exec Seemingly Confirms Always Online for Next Xbox, ‘Deal With it’

Microsoft's creative director, Adam Orth, has said he doesn't "get the drama around having an 'always on' console" and helpfully suggested that those concerned by the prospect "deal with it."

Making his comments on Twitter Orth said:

Following a confrontation with BioWare's Manveer Heir Orth set his account to private. 

"Did you learn nothing from Diablo 3 or SimCity?" Heir enquired, "You know some people's internet goes out, right? Deal with it is a shitty reason."

In reply Orth commented "Electricity goes out too."

"You've lived in LA, San Francisco, Seattle… very connected places. Try living in Janesville, WI or Blackburg, VA," was Heir's rebuttal.

"Why on Earth would I live there?" Orth fired back.

Orth joined Microsoft in 2012 to work on an unannounced project, likely the next Xbox, and previously worked at EA, Sony and the now defunct LucasArts on games including God of War 3, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 and verious Medal of Honor titles.

His comments seem to practically confirm recent rumours that the Xbox 720 will be an always online service. Sony have said the PlayStation 4 will not requite an internet connection to play. 

It seems BioWare isn't too keen on DRM though details of their upcoming games have not been announced while yesterday CD Projekt Red confrimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will not come with the controversial feature. However, if Microsoft do make the next Xbox with always online in mind developers may have no choice if they wish to make games for the system.

The console version of Diablo III, so far only announced for PlayStation 3 & 4 is dropping DRM. Following the difficulties surrounding SimCity's launch EA's Frank Gibeau called DRM a "failed, dead end strategy." 

"Sometimes the electricity goes out. I will not purchase a vacuum cleaner. The mobile reception in the area I live in is spotty and unreliable. I will not buy a mobile phone," Orth added, critiquing those opposed to the feature. "These people should definitely get with the times and get the internet. It's awesome."

Orth subsequently apologised for "offending non-cities" following a storm of crictism on Reddit.

Heir later noted "[He's] getting a lot of flak, some unfairly."   

"Source: Eurogamer.