Xbox 720: More used game ban evidence emerges
The Xbox 720 remains unannounced, but today, some more details have emerged about the next-gen console, and they don’t paint an entirely pretty picture for gamers. A new leak suggests that games won’t run off discs themselves, and will have to be installed first – which could be part of a rumoured plan to block used games on the machine.
Website Vgleaks has published screenshots of the Xbox Development Kit, the software which guides developers through making games for Microsoft’s next console, and several sites including The Verge have also confirmed that these are legitimate. The details in the screenshots confirm that you won’t be able to play games straight from a Blu-ray disc on the Xbox 720: they’ll have to be installed onto the hard drive first (“Play from the optical disc will not be supported,” says the XDK).
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Now there are pros and cons to this set-up. Games will boot quickly, and the XDK says that it will be possible to begin playing part of the game while it installs – something we’ve heard about before. But it also makes it much easier to block used games: Microsoft could use this and always-on internet verification to make sure that games can not be played on more than one system, something Sony says it will not do with the PS4.
Used games are a major source of contention in the industry – gamers love being able to sell on their completed titles so that they can buy more, but some publishers view second hand game sales as lost revenue. If Microsoft uses this technology in the Xbox 720 – and it’s worth noting that the XDK shots are dated from last year, so things could have changed – it could find itself very unpopular with fans.
Is Microsoft wise to try this approach? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
User comments (19)
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ShaneTFletcher20 March 2013
If this is true, then what about the hard drive size? As the console apparently cannot play second hand games, they will have to keep them. Keeping them = loads of games. Loads of games = loads of hard drive usage. I really don't think they thought it all through. If I was in control of the new Xbox console, I would just place all games on blu-rays discs and allow a optional texture pack which can be downloaded to increase the graphics and performance. Least users have a choice of what can be installed and should be installed on the hard drive. Overall, I really don't think Microsoft are that stupid to create a console where hard drive space, stupid requirements (such as kinect) are such a problem and arguments. But hey, we will all have to wait and see at E3 for any more news and updates.
Report as inappropriateThe Pashmeister20 March 2013
I'm also concerned about existing games that I own and play on my Xbox 360. Will I be able to play them on a new console?
Report as inappropriateMike20 March 2013
What happens when I want to pre-vet suitability of a game for my younglings? Will it then work on their console? What happens if my hard drive fails, will I need to re-authenticate my games or God forbid re-purchase them? One of the best forms of advertising is having a friend bring over their games. After an extended demo I'm much more likely to want to buy my own copy. Lets hope Microsoft don't let greed rule their heads on this one.
Report as inappropriatedave48720 March 2013
pure greed imho , i'll stick to my ps3 :)
Report as inappropriatejerry holmes20 March 2013
I believe that if Microsoft do go ahead with this plan that they will be alienating their distributors and worse their customers if they do this I will be fobbing off the Xbox for the ps4 just to prove a point I love my Xbox I truly do but I will take a stand as well as many other gamers I have spoken to because one of the best things about being a gamer is being able to buy preowned games in the knowledge that your local game or game station will still be there. I used to work for gamestation and preowned games are pretty much the only thing keeping them a float, plus I love cheaper games I mean who doesnt eh ..lol I think the idea they have currentley you know charging so many Microsoft points to be able to play online is the way to go then the devs get their share on each game preowned and the distributors can still make some money of all fair in the end.. Any way to summarise if Microsoft do go ahead with this ludicrously stupid idea they will be cutting of their nose to spite their face. jex
Report as inappropriateKevin20 March 2013
Microsoft have already lost my custom. True there are some outstanding games on Xbox machines of late, but come on, the legal eagles among us pay TV licence (unless your console is hooked to a PC monitor with HDMI input), and phone line rental, and then to play multiplayer online you have to pay for their Gold Live membership on top. All networking on PSN is free, obviously only paying to download games or pay for the Plus service to get some games free and others at a discount. I purchased the original Metal Gear Solid from PSN. How graphics have come on since the PS1 days. I'm a Sony fan now and can't wait for the new PS4. Boo to Microsoft. PS: in the event of HD failure, I doubt you would have to repurchase the games. Chances are all purchases will be linked to your Games for Windows ID/Gamertag so would just be a case of re-authenticating. Though knowing Microsoft you'll have to jump through more hoops than Olympic athletes and pay a service charge in top as well. Nah!
Report as inappropriatePaul Smith20 March 2013
To clear up some speculations.. and this is an educated guess based on current policies and trends.. you will NOT be able to play 360 games, they are customised DVD's and so will not play in the blu-ray, although im sure you will still be able to watch dvd movies.... '720' games will require being installed to your xbox and activated' online, pairing it with your xbox live account.. so no, you cannot try it on yours then give it to your kids, nor can you put it on theres then hide it if it isnt appropriate, unless there is a specific parental lock feature which doesn't seem likely (why would you activate a game for an account to hide it, when it is only playable on that acount?) 'always on connection' sounds possible, remembering that whilst the GOLD service requires a paid subscription, silver doesn't, so requiring you to be online to play sounds likely (yes even for single player) or you could simply sign in, unplug, migrate to another xbox, unplug etc etc... the question about hard drive size, yes it will be limited, but microsoft wouldnt be microsoft if they didnt offer a bigger option, for a price... and it will definately be more than the pc or lt equivelant.. so, if you want a closed system, with unbelievably restrictive DRM, you had better hope UK internet infrastructure policies improve rapidly... because remember, it isnt just the amount of bandwidth and the condition of the network, but how it is managed and maintained... which is needless to say not best suited to masses of only online services...
Report as inappropriateLaurence 20 March 2013
I think this is just pure madness. So the games i have now will drop in price if i wanted to sell them on to buy new games for the 720. Also how much hard drive space will we need? Will this increase the price of the console. How much will the games be, if it worth it to download a new game out such as lets say mw4 or something, then realise you don't like it as much as you thought you would, the. What your stuck with the game no money back and a space on the hard drive taken up. A truly silly idea!
Report as inappropriateMatt Lacey20 March 2013
PS4 is going the same way, people need to understand that technology is now at the stage where downloadable games are going to be the source of gaming. For me it's not such a biggy as i have the internet connection to withstand it but for people who don't have 10-20 MB a second there going to be the ones that find it hard. Putting the game on a disc is expensive and making it backwards compatible isn't cheap either.
Report as inappropriateLiam20 March 2013
If this is so microsoft will lose soooooooo much money
Report as inappropriateCone20 March 2013
This whole rumour just sounds like it was created to drive hate for the next gen consoles. Also, I don't see how possibly forcing installs to the HDD is evidence for banning used games.
Report as inappropriatesusan20 March 2013
we have two consoles. does this mean we have to buy two disks? can i play on either console. dont think i will upgrade if this is the case.
Report as inappropriateMrAwesome44420 March 2013
Microsoft are turning into idiots
Report as inappropriateCarlPynegar20 March 2013
Myself and many others will I have spoken to will go with the ps4 if this turns out to be true but I also would like to add trading in old games does help the sale of new games because most games shops are always offering deals to trade old games for new ones
Report as inappropriatePete21 March 2013
Lost revenue. What a joke.
Report as inappropriateVader237823 March 2013
If the restrictions on playing second hand games is true, then why bother with blu ray disks at all? Surely if they were going to go to this trouble to stop folk from playing second hand games, they'd sell the installation files on USB's or have games completely downloadable like steam for the PC?
Report as inappropriateStephenScotford08 April 2013
I rent games for both my PS3 and Xbox 360 so i can basically try before i go and buy, so places like rental shops will loose quite a bit of revenue as well and will cost british people their jobs. Also people on a low income will no longer be able to afford games for their family if this happens.
Report as inappropriateSophie Chapman08 April 2013
I dont think this game console is for me anymore.
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