Xbox 720 could block used software, says Eidos president
Microsoft's next Xbox will require an always-on Internet connection and block preowned software, says Ian Livingstone.
Industry veteran and Eidos life president Ian Livingstone has said Microsoft's next Xbox could block preowned 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 preowned software. Microsoft, on the other hand, has "gone halfway" between physical and digital distribution with the new Xbox, blocking preowned 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 that Microsoft will shortly announce its next Xbox. Earlier this month, UK gaming magazine Edge also said the new Xbox would block preowned 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.
For the latest on Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.
Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 5 Launch Trailer LEGO Fortnite Teaser Trailer Firearms Expert Reacts To RARE Hot Dogs, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Guns What We Want To See At The Game Awards 2023 | Spot On Street Fighter 6 - Outfit 3 Launch Trailer Street Fighter 6 - Happy Holidays Fighting Pass GS News Update: New Fortnite Battle Pass Detailed GS News Update: Star Wars: Battlefront 2 Underperforms, Microtransactions Coming Back GS News Update: Metal Gear Survive Requires Constant Internet Connection, Has Microtransactions Battlefield: Bad Company 3 Rumors Surface - GS News Roundup Red Dead Redemption 2 Mission Discovered In GTA Online?! - GS News Roundup PUBG Xbox One Performance Issues - GS News Roundup
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation