Rumour: Next Xbox 'Always-Online', Requires Game Installs

Had enough of always-online functionality in games? Well, get used to it, because a reported leak suggests that Microsoft's next Xbox will require a constant internet connection, with discs only being used to install games onto the hard drive.

According to VGLeaks, an alleged Xbox Development Kit document details how the console will not use discs for gameplay, and the benefits for sustaining a constant network connection. It will use the latter to install patches seamlessly without requiring user input, apparently.

"The console will be ready instantly when users want to play, and will always maintain a network connection so that console software and games are always current," reads a segment of the document titled 'Hardware Overview'.

"With this 'Always On, Always Connected' design, users will quickly and easily enjoy their connected entertainment experiences, with no waiting for the console to restart or install updates."

Those who are concerned about the move towards an anti-preowned stance for the next Xbox will find little comfort here, should this document be legitimate. A combination of disc installs and always-online seems to suggest a retail future that PC users are now all too familiar with.

"Every Durango console will have a hard drive, although its exact capacity has not been chosen. It will be large enough, however, to hold a large number of games. All games will be installed on the hard drive. Play from the optical disc will not be supported," continues the document.

"Durango consoles will have a Blu-ray Disc drive. Disc media will be used for distribution, but during gameplay games will not use content from the optical disc. An installation system is being designed that will allow gamers to begin playing while the game is being installed on the hard drive rather than waiting until installation is complete."