PixlBit

It never ceases to amaze me how the leader of the current generation goes into the next one full of arrogance. Sony certainly were that way when they were introducing the PS3 and were slapped back into reality. Now it's Microsoft, who always have come off to me as shysters taking advantage of the weak-minded, easily swayed, impressionable people who believe what some "video game journalist" says, turn when Orthy the Orator went on Twitter and blabbed out that you will need to be online at all times to use their next console.

I understand that companies make video games for a profit and they want to maximize it. However, they also have to understand that nobody wants to see video gaming become a rich man's hobby. Many people were furious with the DRM/always online fiascoes that occurred with Diablo III and SimCity. Piracy is still alive and well and none of these companies have made any effort to curtail something that has been around since the 1980's. Forcing people to not be able to buy used games, play everything online at all times and punishing the clean video gamer isn't going to get people on their side. Until the government takes video game piracy seriously and punishes these criminals and anybody who downloads their wares with jail terms, nothing will change.

We are not ready for an online only console. The technology is years away from this reality. Maybe in 2020 or later, we will have perfected the type of broadband or WI-FI that would allow this but in 2013, it's still spotty at best. What about those people in the rural areas who have no reliable Internet? The Xbox Next would be useless to them.

Of course, this kind of garbage happens because we trusted Microsoft. Despite paying for online, paying for battery chargers and paying for proprietary add-ons, we hoped Microsoft would reward their loyal fanbase by giving them a console with flexability. One that would offer a mix of the best of all worlds as Sony is doing. Instead, they are again showcasing their arrogance.

And why not? People are still going to buy the Xbox Next in droves. They are still going to believe in those paid off "video game journalists" who profess that they are in that vocation for love of video gaming. People are willing to pay double for their fun, it's a proven fact. Microsoft, in its position in the U.S. and U.K., think these individuals will always bow down to their brand. However, it is very risky in this day and age to be demeaning, condescending and distrustful of your fanbase, even if a lot of them are pirates and cheaters.

Microsoft, after the backlash, would be smart to re-think their policies towards DRM and being always online. However, they won't and why should they? They have consumers and their wallets wrapped around their finger. Until their diamond ring falls off and disappears forever, why change your image of being a shyster if nobody believes you're one?

Anyway, let's see what happens on May 21 when Microsoft does their Xbox Next unveiling.

I finished Bioshock: Infinite today. From start to finish, absolute perfection. I'm going to wait for the DLC and then attempt 1999 mode. Until then, back to Tomb Raider, Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time and Tales Of Graces F, with a daily game of MLB '13: The Show or two.