The announcement of the next generation of consoles has brought with it the realisation that both Sony and Microsoft may begin to change completely the way in which we experience video games.
“Always-online” technology means that a user must have an internet connection to play a game. The manufacturers tout this as an innovative new gameplay feature, allowing unparalleled connectivity, online play and social interaction. However, many see it solely as a means of stopping games piracy through more complex digital rights management. This move would also effectively end the second-hand games market, preventing gamers from selling on out of date or completed games in order to fund the purchase of new ones.
Only time will tell the effect these potential measures may have on the videogame market, but certain groups have already created a huge backlash to certain online-only titles. Users have the power to vote with their wallets, but with the industry as large and lucrative as it is, it may take nothing short of a mass exodus of gamers to prevent it.