So, there have been all these rumors about the Nextbox requiring internet connection to function, even when playing single player game modes or using any applications. Terrible idea if you ask me.

Personally, if I'm playing single player modes I prefer not to connect the console to the internet. Some games run faster when offline (eg: GT5, Shift 2, Forza 4, NFSMW) since the game doesn't have to check for updates, new DLC, recommendations, update leaderboards, etc. Also, I don't like being bothered by recommendations, messages, friend requests, etc, while I'm playing single player.

There are a few benefits from being connected, like being able to compare career stats with friends, and upload scores/laptimes to the leaderboards, but it isn't enough to justify a console requiring constant internet connection to function. Imo the annoyances are bigger than the benefits so that's why I generally don't connect to the internet while playing single player modes.

The main reason developers want always-on internet connection in their games/consoles is because it would allow them to track gamers down. They would have access to valuable information such as days/times the person plays, which games they're playing, which game modes they're playing, how much time they spend with non-gaming stuff (movies, music, etc), and so forth. That would allow them to supposedly improve their games, but it would also allow them to do the same crap that some websites like email sites and social networks do: flood people with advertising and try to make you buy stuff you don't need/want (btw, whoever comes up with a software that blocks ALL internet advertising will become a billionare). That sounds like privacy invasion to me.

People always wonder what would happen if you have a video game console that requires internet to function and the internet goes down. A former Microsoft employee said something along the lines of "what if the power goes out" which was a pretty stupid comparison imo. Consoles have always worked without the need of internent connection. The more recent ones make good use of internet by adding DLC (another controversial issue that I'd have to talk about in another blog entry) and fixing problems with the games through patches & updates. They bring some benefits but a person that doesn't connect their PS3/Xbox360 to the internet can still play games and have fun.

Let's look this way: TV's don't need internet to function, DVD players don't need internet to function, home theaters don't need internet to function, cell phones don't need internet to function (although it's a nice feature to have), microwaves don't need internet to function, fridges don't need internet to function, cars don't need internet to function. Why try to force always-on internet on gamers? Leave as it is, as an option, having options is good, removing options is always a bad idea.

Hopefully all the rumors about consoles requiring always-on internet are false. Otherwise I might have to stick with my older consoles.