Next-gen Xbox games will require an internet connection in order to function and block second-hand use, according to a new Edge report.

Microsoft will move to make Xbox Live an "integral" rather than "optional" feature of the next Xbox, with retail games made available for download, the next-gen expose in Edge's latest issue claims.
Physical boxed titles will remain on sale in shops via 50GB Blu-ray discs, but "activation codes" will require verification online, the report adds.

Once verified, sources claim discs will have "no function beyond the initial users - effectively eliminating the second-hand games market as it's currently known.

Edge's information is said to come form "sources with first-hand experience of Microsoft's next generation console."

"Given its experience with 70 million-plus 360 console stats, Microsoft has accumulated enough user data to make the decision to go online-only with its successive hardware one that adds up," the Edge report states.

"Microsoft's hand has been guided by the PC gaming landscape, and viewed through a particular lens it makes sense, even if unbelievers will take some convincing."

It adds: "Ultimately, Microsoft has asked itself a simple question: who wants to play games on a next-generation Xbox and yet doesn't have access to the internet? The answer: not enough to make a considerable difference."

The next Xbox, codename Durango, is said to utilise an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. As of now, the console's hard drive capacity is said to be undecided.

In the same report it's claimed that the PS4 will utilise an improved PlayStation Eye camera and redesigned controller, and have the ability to record and upload gameplay to the internet.

Both next-gen consoles are said to be set for release before this Christmas, although PS4 is unlikely to launch in Europe until "early 2014".

Further reading: Audio reaction to the possible Durango pre-owned block

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/38 ... onnection/

I'm not suggesting that Sony will definitely implement such nonsense, just that we could have a new FAIL commander if this is true...

If nothing else, a quick Google reveals the problems of activation codes. And getting a 'service problem' when trying to register your game on release day would just be genius.

Check out the 'audio reaction' in the link - how clueless are those two about the general public? They bang on about Steam when that has next to no relevance for many console owners, then they make the giant leap that people will pay full price despite ALL THE EVIDENCE, especially recently. When most of your sales are still on discs and these are sold in seriously struggling stores (even Tesco!)... Some games 'journalists' really should be destroyed online by their peers, it could be the answer to traffic problems if nothing else.

If this is going to be the case then I will not be getting another console. Simples.

I do not bother with Xbox live and so making in a key part of every game will not make me sign up for an account. The activation code issue will simply kill the market. Second hand games are the foundation to the early adopters. They will simply wait until they have tried demos and will probably only buy a fraction of the games that they used to buy.