http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/3309 ... n_2019.php
Not surprising, but disappointing.
Xbox without a disk drive?
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
It was a matter of time. Seems like I remember a rumor about the Switch being download only before the specs actually came out.
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
Awesome news. I think I might pre order one.
- VideoGameCritic
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
Kind of sobering to consider that going this route means that Microsoft and your Internet Service Provider (Comcast) will control all access and ownership over "your" game collection.
- ptdebate
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
VideoGameCritic wrote:Kind of sobering to consider that going this route means that Microsoft and your Internet Service Provider (Comcast) will control all access and ownership over "your" game collection.
At the very minimum you can play the free Games with Gold given away each month, assuming you subscribe to the Xbox Live service. I wouldn't buy a console like this, but I'm sure it fits a niche for someone looking for an inexpensive games machine.
- Rev
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
Honestly, this isn't surprising. When they're original E3 announcement blew up in their face (when the Xbox one was originally announced) I think Microsoft just put this on the back burner. Since both versions are available I think people will be more likely to accept this. Still, I think this just confirms that this is the last generation that all consoles will offer a physical version. Many gamers have already converted to download only model. Hopefully, Sony will still offer physical discs come the next Playstation. I think the rise of all these "limited run" style releases show that a good portion of gamers still want physical media for games.
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
I sense they are testing the waters in preparation for the next gen. The rumors are that they will have two versions for next gen, one being a download only, so they are probably wondering how many of each kind to manufacture.
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
Let's look at the pros and cons of the digital-only video game ecosystem of the possible future:
PROS
- smaller/cheaper console (no drive)
- buy games without leaving your couch!
- don't need to find game discs
- save room on your shelf
- ??
CONS
- no longer truly own your media
- cannot sell games
- cannot lend games
- cannot play offline
- have to use your own bandwidth which may be subject to data cap limits
- higher game prices
- buggier software (beta)
- no privacy - all online gaming activity monitored (and usage data sold to advertisers)
- forced to agree to EULAs/changing terms
- games can be pulled from your library for a variety of reasons
- ??
Seems to me this is a GREAT deal for the game industry. Not so much for the consumer!
Thoughts?
PROS
- smaller/cheaper console (no drive)
- buy games without leaving your couch!
- don't need to find game discs
- save room on your shelf
- ??
CONS
- no longer truly own your media
- cannot sell games
- cannot lend games
- cannot play offline
- have to use your own bandwidth which may be subject to data cap limits
- higher game prices
- buggier software (beta)
- no privacy - all online gaming activity monitored (and usage data sold to advertisers)
- forced to agree to EULAs/changing terms
- games can be pulled from your library for a variety of reasons
- ??
Seems to me this is a GREAT deal for the game industry. Not so much for the consumer!
Thoughts?
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
If you download a game to the console, why do you still have to be online all the time? And don’t you still “own” it?
- VideoGameCritic
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Re: Xbox without a disk drive?
Downloaded games have DRM copy protection. Since the game is just a file, there needs to be some kind of guard to prevent it from being copied all over the place. So the console needs to be online to check to make sure it's a legitimate copy.
But if you're ability to play a game relies on some unknown server somewhere, do you really own it? Or is it just a long-term rental?
But if you're ability to play a game relies on some unknown server somewhere, do you really own it? Or is it just a long-term rental?