Xbox 720 could block used software, says Eidos president

Industry veteran and Eidos life president Ian Livingstone has said Microsoft's next Xbox could block pre-owned games and require an active internet connection.

Speaking to MCV India, Livingstone said the next-gen consoles weren't prepared to go towards a digital-only method of distributing games. "The next iteration of consoles--the PS4 and the next Xbox, have got optical disc drives even though they probably don’t want to have them," said Livingstone. "Broadband speed globally isn’t at a level that justifies digital-only.”

As part of its PlayStation 4 unveiling last week, Sony confirmed that its next-gen console wasn't going to block pre-owned software. Microsoft, on the other hand, has "gone halfway” between physical and digital distribution with the new Xbox, blocking pre-owned in the process according to Livingstone.

“With the next Xbox, you supposedly have to have an Internet connection, and the discs are watermarked, whereby once played on one console it won’t play on another," said Livingstone.

Over the weekend an events management company which has previously worked with Microsoft registered the domain XboxEvent.com, causing many to speculate Microsoft will shortly announce its next Xbox. Earlier this month UK gaming magazine Edge also said the new Xbox would block pre-owned software.

Ruminating on the future, Livingstone said that he thinks the "generation after" the PlayStation 4 and new Xbox will be digital-only.

Microsoft declined to comment when approached by GameSpot.

This would suck, even though I rarely buy used game, I know it would be a big issue with the people who do buy a lot of games a year and they may pick PS4 over Xbox 720. :-/

I'm not ready for a brand new systems yet its gonna cost me an arm and a leg to get these damn things

I've read somewhere that next gen consoles will actually be cheaper than what the ps3/xbox were when originally out.

I hope it is.

Wow if they are cheaper than the previous generations that would be awesome.

I might get it sooner then I got the Xbox 360 after its' initial release.

It was rumored to be $300...Who knows it true, but if it is I'd be able to purchase at launch.

Damn that would be sweet.

Perfect Christmas gift!

the PS4 is rumored to be around 400-500 when it comes out

300 dollars is not cheap as for ps4 being 400 to 500 yeah I don't think so ill stick to my 360 for awhile.

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