Next Xbox always-on DRM up to publishers

One-time authentication and internet requirement decision left to individual companies, not Microsoft

Publishers will be able to decide whether their games for the next Xbox require a constant internet connection or one-time authentication, according to a report.
Speaking to Polygon, multiple sources claimed there would be “some for of always-on requirement”, with constant internet connectivity designed to support a number of non-gaming entertainment applications that will be launched with the console, such as video streaming.

The always on feature could also possibly be used as an anti-piracy tool through digital rights management and version checks.
But rather than the console requiring an internet connection, the sources stated that it would be up to individual publishers to decide if their games required one-time authentication or a constant connection. It was stressed however that such guidelines for the next Xbox could yet be changed.
It has been suggested on numerous occasions in the past that the next Xbox will require internet connectivity to function, and could stop being fully functional after a matter of minutes without one. Microsoft has yet to respond the reports however.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-to-publishers