Xbox One: Details emerge on licensing, online connectivity, and privacy | Windows Phone Central
The earliest (and biggest) rumor about the next Xbox has been whether or not it would require a constant internet connection to play games or use. That rumor started months before the official unveil and details remained murky after the event.
It?s not surprise that Microsoft is pushing for online connections with the next Xbox. After all, next generation games will be literally powered by both your Xbox and servers thousands of miles from your home. It?s actually a clever trick to combat the Wii U and PlayStation 4. Your Xbox One will actually get more powerful over time.
The following are examples that Microsoft has listed on their site as benefits for using the cloud:
Because every Xbox One owner has a broadband connection, developers can create massive, persistent worlds that evolve even when you?re not playing.
Xbox One is designed to run in a low-powered, connected state. This means your system, games and apps are always current and ready to play?no more waiting for updates.
Never miss an opportunity to play games with your friends or to catch up with family on Skype. Use Skype in Snap mode to chat while you play games or watch TV. Or enjoy group video Skype calls with people around the world, all from the comfort of your living room.
After signing in and installing, you can play any of your games from any Xbox One because a digital copy of your game is stored on your console and in the cloud. So, for example, while you are logged in at your friend?s house, you can play your games.
You?ll be able to buy disc-based games at traditional retailers or online through Xbox Live, on day of release.
Those sound like fairly good reasons for connecting your Xbox One to the internet.
However, there are some potential cons to this approach. A persistent connection is apparently not required. However, if you want to game offline you can only do so for 24 hours or one hour from a console that isn?t your own. Offline gaming won?t be possible until you re-establish a connection (you can watch live TV or disc-based movies though). The reason? The Xbox One is designed (and required) to verify if your system, application, or games need updates or if you?ve acquired new games. Additionally checking if you?ve resold, traded in, or shared a game with a friend.
Not good news for anyone without an internet connection.....