XBox 720 to play Blu-Rays, block used games, according to source

Link

Speculation over the next generation of consoles--specifically Microsoft's Next Xbox--has spread like fire as of late. The latest hearsay suggests the processing chip for Microsoft next console is already in production, with debug kits available to game studios as soon as April. Now, new light has been shed on Microsoft's Next Xbox, the latest word suggesting it could play Blu-ray discs, block users from playing used games, and introduce the Kinect 2.

According to "games industry sources" speaking with Kotaku, the Next Xbox will use Blu-ray as its disc technology, an upgrade from the DVD drive the Xbox 360 currently sports. Sony's PlayStation 3 supports Blu-Ray, and it has since it was first launched in 2006. Blu-ray disc capacity is significantly greater than that of DVD.

Additionally, a "reliable industry source" tells Kotaku that Microsoft's Next Xbox may incorporate a system that blocks gamers from playing used titles. Further details concerning the implementation of such a system were not offered.

Further, a source familiar with Microsoft's plans told the blog that the company will ship the Next Xbox with an updated version of the full-body gesture-recognition technology Kinect. According to Kotaku's source, this new iteration of the Kinect will contain an onboard processor for greater motion detection, a feature that was supposedly considered for the first Kinect.

Lastly, the gaming blog reports that Microsoft is "interested" in creating a smaller controller for the Next Xbox. Further details on this controller were not made available.

A Microsoft spokesperson told GameSpot, "As an innovator, we're always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that, we don't comment on rumors or speculation."

The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's second home console, following the original Xbox. The Xbox 360 was released in North America in November 2005 and has gone on to sell 66 million units worldwide. The Kinect has shipped 18 million units worldwide since it was launched during the holiday 2010 season.

Gamespot

OK, so on the one hand, XBox 720 (if that's the official name for it, which hasn't been confirmed yet) playing blu-ray DVDs can be great. On the other hand, I'm not sure how blocking used games is going to go so well over the gaming public. A lot of people buy their games used, I would think, so blocking them in its entirety could be a major turn-off for a lot of people. I can see why they are doing it; to earn more sales from new purchases instead of used. However, in my honest opinion, it's a stupid idea and should be thrown out the window.

Any thoughts?

not gonna happen, there is no way Microsoft will use Blu-Ray, it would be more likely that they would come up with their own new format. Also, the used games thing won't happen either because that would mean no Gamefly or Redbox and game companies have contracts with those companies so that would only be hurting themselves.

Blu-ray obviously makes sense. However, they decide to really go through with that used game proposal, and my purchase plans go out the window. Not everyone's got enough to pay full price for every single game they want. What happens if you want to lend a friend a game for a week? Doesn't look good.

They cant block used games. It's against the law.

not gonna happen, there is no way Microsoft will use Blu-Ray, it would be more likely that they would come up with their own new format. Also, the used games thing won't happen either because that would mean no Gamefly or Redbox and game companies have contracts with those companies so that would only be hurting themselves.

JayQproductions

Nintendo is using their own propreitary Bluray. There is no reason MS just cant order some Samsung bluray drives. Sony isnt the only bluray manfacturer.

[QUOTE="JayQproductions"]

not gonna happen, there is no way Microsoft will use Blu-Ray, it would be more likely that they would come up with their own new format. Also, the used games thing won't happen either because that would mean no Gamefly or Redbox and game companies have contracts with those companies so that would only be hurting themselves.

S0lidSnake

Nintendo is using their own propreitary Bluray. There is no reason MS just cant order some Samsung bluray drives. Sony isnt the only bluray manfacturer.

No their not, a quote takin directly from Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime "What I can tell you is it won't be Blu-Ray and the disk won't be a limiter to the types of experiences consumers can have"

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

[QUOTE="JayQproductions"]

not gonna happen, there is no way Microsoft will use Blu-Ray, it would be more likely that they would come up with their own new format. Also, the used games thing won't happen either because that would mean no Gamefly or Redbox and game companies have contracts with those companies so that would only be hurting themselves.

JayQproductions

Nintendo is using their own propreitary Bluray. There is no reason MS just cant order some Samsung bluray drives. Sony isnt the only bluray manfacturer.

No their not, a quote takin directly from Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime "What I can tell you is it won't be Blu-Ray and the disk won't be a limiter to the types of experiences consumers can have"

It's not technically a Bluray, it's their own technology that can hold upto 25GB of data, just like a Bluray.

[QUOTE="JayQproductions"]

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

Nintendo is using their own propreitary Bluray. There is no reason MS just cant order some Samsung bluray drives. Sony isnt the only bluray manfacturer.

S0lidSnake

No their not, a quote takin directly from Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime "What I can tell you is it won't be Blu-Ray and the disk won't be a limiter to the types of experiences consumers can have"

It's not technically a Bluray, it's their own technology that can hold upto 25GB of data, just like a Bluray.

but not Blu-Ray or anything having to do with Blu-Ray or the companies that own/manufacture Blu-Ray, thats like saying if Microsoft comes up with their own new format that can hold 40GB of data and people saying it has Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray is a format not a disk's capacity.

They would not be foolish to block "used" games especially since using a friends game would fall under use games, renting games would fall under used games and a variety of other practical scenarios.

I'd be surprised if the blocking of used games makes it into the final product. Blu-ray makes sense though.Archangel3371

They'd be foolish to block used games. Microsoft cares first and foremost about the consoles sales, and not being able to buy used games would be a big turn-off for many consumers, myself included.

I also firmly believe that used games are good for the industry. Publishers might hate on used games, but I'd expect they would be surprised by how much no used game sales would hurt them.

Also I would probably end up switching to PC if this happened. If I'm going to have to deal with DRM, I may as well do it on PC.

I really think the idea of blocking used games would be an organizational and logistical nightmare for MS and gaming companies.

I could definitely see more and more benefits towards buying games new. We already see EA using new game codes to unlock multiplayer, I could also see companies including codes to unlock other alternate portions of the game. So, the main game is still playable regardless of its purchased status, but if the consumer purchased the game new they would have automatic access to release date DLC in a sense.

I personally would hate anything like this, but I think it is coming eventually. Gaming companies are self-interested just like everyone else; every time a used game is purchased the game company itself loses out on that profit.

...every time a used game is purchased the game company itself loses out on that profit.

Samslayer

This is not true. There was no profit to be gained from the used sale to begin with. Their profit stemed from the initial purchase. Most subsequent transactions would be lower than the initial sale price.

lol, can we say poor management? Block used games? Terrible. That alone is enough for the 720 to go belly up. That is if it's true.

lol, can we say poor management? Block used games? Terrible. That alone is enough for the 720 to go belly up. That is if it's true.

ristactionjakso

I would be really surprised if Microsoft went through with this. So until Microsoft confirms it, I'm remaining skeptical.

[QUOTE="Samslayer"]...every time a used game is purchased the game company itself loses out on that profit.

Pedro

This is not true. There was no profit to be gained from the used sale to begin with. Their profit stemed from the initial purchase. Most subsequent transactions would be lower than the initial sale price.

Understandable, more or less what I am saying is if used games were eliminated this provides a single avenue for aquiring games, which would be through the initial sale of the new game itself. Leading then to a profit.

The fundamental issue with used games stems from the idea of marginal cost/benefit in my opinion. If a game costs $20 to produce, the gaming company will sell at whatever price is profitable; however, even if the market price decreases to below the production cost they will still continue to sell the already produced games at that lowered price. If they can sell the games at $5 they will, just simply because they can decrease their overall loss. Used games take away from this marginal benefit.

[QUOTE="ristactionjakso"]

lol, can we say poor management? Block used games? Terrible. That alone is enough for the 720 to go belly up. That is if it's true.

Vari3ty

I would be really surprised if Microsoft went through with this. So until Microsoft confirms it, I'm remaining skeptical.

How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.

How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.Ghost_Face

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

[QUOTE="Ghost_Face"]How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.c_rake

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

Yep, pretty sure it would be pretty easy with that idea.

Again though, I hope it doesn't happen. It looks like things are going that way though.

[QUOTE="Ghost_Face"]How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.c_rake

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

[QUOTE="c_rake"]

[QUOTE="Ghost_Face"]How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.BranKetra

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

Which is why tossing out used games is a bad idea. How in the world can people get a taste of the game without playing the demo? By renting it or borrowing it fron a friend or having that friend coming over and letting them show it. That's why I feel that, if confirmed, Microsoft may go completely nuts if this idea is passed through. Blocking out used games is a BAD IDEA. The Blu-Ray thing is fine, that's a good idea, keep that in. But blocking out used games is something that I feel the public is going to frown on BIG TIME.

[QUOTE="Ghost_Face"]How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.c_rake

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

It would be freakin' crazy...

That's why I don't think any console company would eliminate being able to play used games, just simply limit the extent of the game itself. Which would would terrible as well!

Or maybe online passes for multiplayer modes on all games.ristactionjakso

That... wouldn't do much to block used games. That's just an inconvenience at best (for them, anyway). I can see it happening, but not as the sole means of subverting used games.

[QUOTE="ristactionjakso"]Or maybe online passes for multiplayer modes on all games.c_rake

That... wouldn't do much to block used games. That's just an inconvenience at best (for them, anyway). I can see it happening, but not as the sole means of subverting used games.

It would be freakin' crazy...

That's why I don't think any console company would eliminate being able to play used games, just simply limit the extent of the game itself. Which would would terrible as well!

Samslayer

[QUOTE="BranKetra"][QUOTE="c_rake"]

Some sort of activation code? They could probably cook up something that makes it mandatory to enter one upon first time playing, make it happen purely on the local side of things without need for online activation.

Which is why tossing out used games is a bad idea. How in the world can people get a taste of the game without playing the demo? By renting it or borrowing it fron a friend or having that friend coming over and letting them show it. That's why I feel that, if confirmed, Microsoft may go completely nuts if this idea is passed through. Blocking out used games is a BAD IDEA. The Blu-Ray thing is fine, that's a good idea, keep that in. But blocking out used games is something that I feel the public is going to frown on BIG TIME.

I don't mind if they block used games but don't hand out those stupid online id passes. If they do both then they are digging their grave.

Actually that would be useless. they should make the disc activateable on accounts you choose (perhaps 5 user accounts, similar to what ps3 did but rather than console base, make it account based)

Everyone mocked(s) me for saying that I don't support Online Pass. This is what it leads up to. The total eradicationof used games. It wouldn't be that hard for them to do. All they gotta do is get rid of the physical copies of games. Gamefly you say? Well, you download a game and when you're done with it, you "send it back" by clicking/selecting the "Finished Playing" button on the Gamefly app/dashboard. It auto-deletes itself off of your HDD. I know there are at least 2 users on this forum that would get all hard in the pants if this were to happen.

Actually now that I think of it, the first logical step to the "no used games" thing would be to implement a PC/Online Pass like code that is only redeemable on one machine. Again, I caught a lot of flack for saying I wasn't going to buy 'X' game because it had Online Pass. Sharing is caring.

Rumours.

Which is why tossing out used games is a bad idea. How in the world can people get a taste of the game without playing the demo? By renting it or borrowing it fron a friend or having that friend coming over and letting them show it.

Metamania

OMFGOHNOES! Isn't that piracy?! Think of the millions of jobs that'll be lost!!!!!!!!!!:o

[QUOTE="Metamania"]

Which is why tossing out used games is a bad idea. How in the world can people get a taste of the game without playing the demo? By renting it or borrowing it fron a friend or having that friend coming over and letting them show it.

QuistisTrepe_

OMFGOHNOES! Isn't that piracy?! Think of the millions of jobs that'll be lost!!!!!!!!!!:o

Piracy is illegial. I don't think letting friends borrow a game locally or seeing it over at a friend's house counts as piracy.

I think this poll sums it up nicely. Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

[QUOTE="QuistisTrepe_"]

[QUOTE="Metamania"]

Which is why tossing out used games is a bad idea. How in the world can people get a taste of the game without playing the demo? By renting it or borrowing it fron a friend or having that friend coming over and letting them show it.

Metamania

OMFGOHNOES! Isn't that piracy?! Think of the millions of jobs that'll be lost!!!!!!!!!!:o

Piracy is illegial. I don't think letting friends borrow a game locally or seeing it over at a friend's house counts as piracy.

I know that, I was mocking the corporate view of legitimate fair use.

How would they block used games from playing for those that don't have Live or their consoles networked in some manner? The only thing I can think that makes this rumor feasible is that kind of connectivity.

Ghost_Face

Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

Dracula68

I'm more concerned about the forced intergration of Kinect. I dont want that casual bollucks thanks.

If it honestly comes with built in Kinect, then I am giving this console a miss. PS4 here I come, unless you too have some crappy motion controls too, in which case I'm just not going to bother with gaming anymore until devs get over this motion control stupidity.

I'm more concerned about the forced intergration of Kinect. I dont want that casual bollucks thanks.

If it honestly comes with built in Kinect, then I am giving this console a miss. PS4 here I come, unless you too have some crappy motion controls too, in which case I'm just not going to bother with gaming anymore until devs get over this motion control stupidity.

TJORLY

Even if it does end up being built in, it doesn't mean that every game is going to use it, you know. Not like that's the only means of control the console is going to have.

I think this poll sums it up nicely. Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

Dracula68

If it seriously blocks uesd games, I will refuse to get it. That's just idiotic. Ps4 and the other gaming options will be jut fine for me.

While the blocking used games is still a rumor, I think many of us are expecting to see this in the near future. Download only games and cloud play are one way of doing this, and it seems Microsoft is beginning to embrace the cloud starting with cloud saves.

With the exception of a few titles, I prefer to purchase games only when they go on sale with the $30 mark being the sweet mark for me. While I don't really care about used games, the used game market did help lower the prices of many titles rather quickly. Without the used game sales to help play it's role in supply and demand, my concern is that many of the titles will stay close to the $60 or $70 dollar range for much longer. That means I won't be able to play as many great games without breaking the bank. I think it is safe for me to assume that Microsoft makes much money on the software licensing then it does on the hardware.

If I remember correctly that Microsoft sold the XBox 360 at a loss for the first few years of its release, knowing that it software sales will help restore profitability. Preventing and restricting used copies will help ensure they are able to get as much revenue from software sales as possible. The Xbox 360 still flying off the shelves and the Kinect helped add a few extra years to it's life cycle, Microsoft may be testing the market with what business model they use with a new console. If the XBox 360 still continues maintain it's foothold against the new console, they have a few years to tweak it to find a workable and profitable business approach until the XBox 360 starts losing traction.

[QUOTE="Dracula68"]

I think this poll sums it up nicely. Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

Invisible_Kid2

You two's brilliant logic just can't be argued with. I never realized that payingthe $5 difference between new and used games made me rich. Of course, I don't always buy new at launch price, but still, the act of not buying used (and thus putting money into the pockets of game developers and not just Gamestop) makes me one of the 1%. Keep posting! This forum is richer for your insights.

[QUOTE="Invisible_Kid2"]

[QUOTE="Dracula68"]

I think this poll sums it up nicely. Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

CarnageHeart

You two's brilliant logic just can't be argued with. I never realized that payingthe $5 difference between new and used games made me rich. Of course, I don't always buy new at launch price, but still, the act of not buying used (and thus putting money into the pockets of game developers and not just Gamestop) makes me one of the 1%. Keep posting! This forum is richer for your insights.

You buy game to help support a developer that you like. That's cool. If there's a company who is doing something that I don't like, like Online Pass, and I really want to play their game I'll go out of my way to rent the game when it first comes out so I get the code for the Online pass. Then when a used copy comes in at Gamestop or Blockbuster for about $10 cheaper (games with the pass are being sold used cheaper than those without to make up for the $10 code difference) I'll pick it up. I'll admit it. There's 2 games I've bought that have the pass. Arkham City and Battlefield 3. The only reason why I bought those games were because they were $28 on Black Friday.

[QUOTE="Invisible_Kid2"]

[QUOTE="Dracula68"]

I think this poll sums it up nicely. Must be nice to be rich for those 1453(as of right this second) users that don't need to buy used games:?

CarnageHeart

You two's brilliant logic just can't be argued with. I never realized that payingthe $5 difference between new and used games made me rich. Of course, I don't always buy new at launch price, but still, the act of not buying used (and thus putting money into the pockets of game developers and not just Gamestop) makes me one of the 1%. Keep posting! This forum is richer for your insights.