Xbox One: No 'always online' requirement.. for now.

So the Xbox One has been officially announced (from inside a tent) and it has brought with it some predictable expectations, but nothing too radical or game changing.

The main point to me was with the possibility of an 'always online' requirement. I'm glad they have taken the decision to not include this in their new console (maybe they had seen the roaring feedback following the release of SimCity and had changed their minds.. perhaps).

Personally however, isn't this merely postponing the inevitable? With the onslaught of DLC and continual game updates we receive whenever we don't play a game for a week or two. Plus the fact we can now buy full games online, without the need for a disc, it only seems like natural progression that 'always online' will one day be the norm. Whether this be your console, your mobile or perhaps even your touch screen coffee table..

It may not be a requirement now, but in the next generation it may well be. The Xbox Two and PS5 will likely adopt this, just as soon as the public comes around to the idea.

Elder Scrolls Online Will Be A Third Person MMO..

I know the traditional way of playing MMOs is via a third person perspective, posed high above your character and being able to see in all directions and know what is going on. With Elder Scrolls Online having been confirmed to be in this same third person perspective, although it has its obvious advantages, surely this takes away one of the main selling points of the Elder Scrolls series (from Morrowind onwards).

When I first heard about this impending MMO, my first thought, as like many others, was how good it will be to play the game in first person, a bursting flame of fire hovering in one palm, whilst a sword is held in the other. This was its unique selling point and now this isn't the case, this seems like it may just be like any other MMO and could very well go the same way as SWTOR, which originally had lofty ambitions.

Surely the disadvantages of such a view could be overcome by introducing new gaming dynamics, a small picture in picture interface or maybe just to provide the choice. If everybody has the same point of view, then there is no unfair advantage (at least in PvP).

I hope I find further reason to look forward to this game with new announcements in the future, but I can't help but feel a little deflated.

3000 Players Collide..

 

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-28-eve-online-when-3000-players-collide 

Surely this is the point where the term Massively Multiplayer lives upto its name a bit too much?

Catfish: The TV Show - Worth A Watch.

Just came across a new show called Catfish and I must say, its addicting to watch!

The basic premise is getting 'couples' to meet who have been having an ongoing online relationship for quite some time. Whether that be for months or years. After the background story, investigation and leap into the persons personal life, there comes the meeting and ultimately the moment of truth.

It may just be me but all of the ones I have seen, there has been a lie involved at somewhere along the line by the other party, and sometimes for no good reason. This makes you think about how easily someone can lie when in comes to online relationships. There are many ways to counter-act this and it beggars the question, Why?

- Why did they not use Skype (the other person doesnt want to use it.. theres a sign).
- Why have they only seen a handful of photos of him/her (theres a sign).
- Why, after considerable time, have they not met yet? (theres a sign).

Im all for the premise. 1 in 5 relationships are now founded on the internet. With social networking sites and specifically designed dating websites, the options available are more vast than ever before. Catfish hopefully makes people realise, although they should really be more switched on to begin with, that the online world is not always what it seems. Worth a watch!

The Cloud vs The Real Thing

What is your stance on purchasing from the preverbial cloud? The prospect of obtaining all of your media, whether it be your music, films, gaming or whatever else from an online hub/server, purchased from your e-wallet (to which you have full ownership of). This is rather than the more conventional method of using your real wallet, and purchasing an actual disc and case to put up on your actual shelve.

Is this simply the way the industry is going, is it something we should all adjust to for going forward? Or will we simply not have the choice in the future at some point?

Cloud Gaming - You may have full ownership of your media, but you have no physical object to signify it. Is this such a big deal? Not personally, but I can see people not adopting this with open arms. This also saves space, because your then not cluttered with discs everywhere.. I suppose.

The Real Thing: Maybe im just nostalgic, but I think I would miss not having an owned copy of something, whatever it is. There is, however, no huge benefit on having the physical item, as long as you can fully trust the cloud to keep a track of your purchases.

With E-Books, Itunes, Steam, amongst many others. It may just be the way of the future.. and lets not forget, it is greener afterall.

Moving Between MMOs

MMOs are by far, my favourite genre of game, however with the abundance of different ones out there, how do you choose just one (or two).

I have played various MMOs but have never been able to stick to one in particular. The pure choice itself can be overwhelming and because there are so many, each one fights for our attention and picks at your curiosity with a new mechanic, or interesting new take (although most just work off the same general idea anyway). I have played many MMOs, including the below and many more:

- WoW
- Rift
- Allods Online
- Darkfall
- Secret World
- Guild Wars 1 and 2
- LOTRO
- Star Trek Online
- SWTOR

No one has managed to grab my attention to the fullest, and it will only be a matter of time until I move on to the next big thing. I'm a sucker for a good, or sometimes appalling MMO. Is it just me or does anybody else dart around them?