Always-Online For Xbox One Is Not Mandatory, But Possible

Always-Online was not answered by the reveal, but at the reveal we got a no. With some potential yes.

The Xbox One official reveal is now over, and it showed off some interesting features.  What it did not do was actually address most of the questions people were asking about the console with worried glances at the rumors we have been hearing.  Among the rumors I have been most curious to get an answer for is whether it requires an internet connection or not.  Thankfully the press on hand were able to get those questions answered.

Recommended Videos

The answer is no.  Sort of.

Wait, what?

While some of the quotes have been a bit confusing, the general idea seems to be Xbox One supporting cloud saving, but not requiring it.  This would mean it is possible to release a game for the console requiring a constant connection to play, but that the console itself would not mandate it.

This sounds like a reasonable step in the direction towards always-online without immediately requiring it, but it has the potential to be a sort of bait-and-switch if the majority of games start using cloud saving and/or Microsoft starts offering incentives to games that do.

In addition, it does seem as if the console will require an occasional connection specifically for the purpose of linking a person’s games to their Xbox Live account, though the specifics on what the console actually will need a connection for, exactly, are still fairly sketchy.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Related Content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Author
Wokendreamer
Writer, gamer, and generally hopeful beneath a veneer of cynicism.