Next Xbox to emphasize sharing, let publishers decide 'always-on' connection

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Plus, 'broader Achievements', video capture, new friend system, and more!

 

According to Polygon, the next Xbox console will introduce new social network elements, video capture functions and 'cross-game' Achievements.

 

Also, it will let publishers mandate 'always-on' games.

 

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Ready for another "XBOX 720" related rumor?

 

According to a report by Polygon, the next Xbox, set to be unveiled during a May 21 event on Microsoft's Redmond-based Xbox campus, will bring a slew of tweaks to the social aspects of the upcoming console.

 

The site sources claim the console will have a video sharing system similar to the PS4, broader achievements, and a Twitter-like Xbox LIVE friends system. Also, it will let publishers to decide 'always-online' for its games...

 

� Video Sharing: Like PlayStation 4, the next Xbox will include the ability to capture and share video through networks like Ustream and Facebook. The system will capture your gameplay like a DVR, allowing you to go back and select highlights. This function can be turned on or off, or set up to auto-capture certain in-game events.

 

� Always-On: The next Xbox will �indeed have some form of an always-on requirement.� According to the site, this is both to support the non-gaming apps that will be launched with the console and as an �anti-piracy tool.� The console will support �digital rights management and anti-piracy checks using an internet connection.� Under Microsoft�s current guidelines, �the decision of whether a game will require an internet connection to work and if that is a one-time authentication or a constant connection, will be left up to individual publishers.�

 

� Achievements: Publishers will be able to add more achievements after launch without the need to add download content. According to Polygon, �this is designed specifically to allow developers to tweak player behavior.� Achievements can also be tied to �broader events,� like a weekend challenge where a number of players contribute to a goal of 10,000 kills. Cross-platform achievements, like those earned by playing a game on the next Xbox and then using a companion app or website, are also being talked about.

 

� Xbox LIVE: Microsoft is looking for a way to better align Xbox LIVE with social networks like Facebook and Twitter. There won�t be a friends cap anymore. The friends system will now act more like Twitter, where people can choose to follow one another.

 

There you have it.

 

Nothing is confirmed yet so, as always, take the above with a grain of salt. Stay tuned for the official reveal next month!

 

News-Source #1: Next Xbox DRM Rumors (via) 360Crunch

News-Source #2: Next Xbox DRM achievements live (via) PolyGon

 

 

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