New Xbox 720 won’t need to be always online: report

Despite early reports that the new Xbox, codename “Durango,” would need an always-online Internet connection, it appears that this may no longer be the case.

According to an email obtained by Ars Technica that they report was sent to Microsoft employees, certain functions will require an Internet connection, but it won’t be an ‘always-online’ scenario:

“Durango is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today's Internet.” Ars reports was said in the email. “There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should 'just work' regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game.”

[ Related: ‘Always online’ Xbox system requirement defended by Microsoft’s Adam Orth ]

Microsoft wouldn’t comment on the alleged email, or even confirm that it was actually an email sent within the company, but told CNET, Forbes and Kotaku the same thing they’ve been saying for the last few weeks:

“We’re excited to share more about the new generation of games, TV and entertainment on May 21, but have nothing further to share at this time,” Microsoft said in emails sent to all three news outlets.

Forbes points out that the very nature of this being allegedly sent as a mass email implies that this is either a recent change, or recent clarification of the official Microsoft party line on the issue. In all likelihood, the backlash that Sim City has faced for its always-online necessity and the minor PR mess caused by now-former Microsoft employee Adam Orth helped to force Microsoft’s hand, convincing them to make at least some features available offline in order to keep their user base somewhat happy.

As to what will need an online connection, we’ll have to wait until the May 21 event to get the whole picture. Some blogs are speculating that you’ll be able to insert a disc, install and play the game without the need of an Internet connection, while others think the new console may use a similar system to Valve’s Steam platform: users need to be online to install a game, but could play offline. Edge reported back in February that the online connection would be used as a way to block the installation of second-hand games – which means there would still be an awful lot of angry gamers out there.

[ More Right Click: Apple to give $10,000 prize for downloading 50-billionth app ]

While there’s likely to be more leaks and rumours in the next two weeks, everyone will find out what Microsoft’s vision for the future of gaming actually is on Tuesday, May 21.

Need to know what’s hot in tech? Follow @yrightclick on Twitter!