Verno wrote on Jun 12, 2013, 13:14:

In the case of the cell phone, the cell tower is required for functionality. In the case of XBone, is the internet required for functionality? While we might disagree Microsoft is saying, "Yes, internet connectivity is required for functionality."

*shrug*

I get what you mean but this is flawed logic. Let's say you buy Metal Gear Whatever on both consoles and you disconnect your internet. One system boots you out of the game if you can't reauth, the other does not. They are functionally identical in every respect except one has arbitrary DRM that serves no purpose for the consumer, the other does not.

People forget that it's a gaming console, not a telephone. If games want to require internet for functionality inside of them fair enough but implementing it in the OS for no reason isn't the same thing. They aren't really doing anyone any favors by being upfront by the way, it would be a huge legal matter if they lied about this stuff or were deceptive about it.

I would respect them more if they said "ok you the customer spoke and we listened, here is our compromise" instead of "go buy a 360". I don't give them a pass for being upfront when their message and design is still retarded.