• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

COD Ghosts Xbox One offline (2 weeks before launch) not possible without Live?

Man! You are one relentless beast aren't you? Let it go. You gave it your best shot. Methinks it is time to kick back and watch the thread wither and gradually descend into the hallowed graves of GAF :)
Ha true true. It's actually almost 5 am where I am, I'm pulling a late night finishing this paper. This thread has helped me stay up lol.
 
The fuss ultimately boils down to initially MS threatened 'online only' requirements and 24 hour online checks to let the box function for on and offline play. Now we find that's exactly what's happened to a pre-release unit but were being advised its got nothing to do with the said original threats and is caused for a completely different reason.

I'm not saying Alberts flat out lying but equally I don't believe in coincidences

Like you said pre-release, should any of this even matter till the 22nd?
 
You can believe whatever you want man. I think it's pretty tin-foily, but MS hasn't done themselves any favors w their messaging.

THE ONLY thing I will say... and again, I totally think the story we have now is accurate... is that it was a little strange how a second before at 11:00 Penello was saying he had no definitive answers yet and was waiting for e-mails/calls back and then Rhindle made a guess and Penello just jumped on that and said it was the right answer. Only minutes before he was saying he was still waiting for a sure answer. To the lay observer it may appear as if he was being an opportunist.

I am sure it's nothing, but that's the only weirdness I can see.
 
You can believe whatever you want man. I think it's pretty tin-foily, but MS hasn't done themselves any favors w their messaging.

Yeah, if it's one thing that we can all agree on: MS's PR has generally not been great since the Xbox One announcement. Not a shot at Albert, by any means. Most of us definitely appreciate him taking the time to post.
 
Like you said pre-release, should any of this even matter till the 22nd?

No its shouldnt. It doesn't to me. MS have got other problems, bigger problems than this. This will be judged by how well it works post 22. However how the initial MS intent has matched up with what's happening here and MS are saying its unrelated just seems odd.

And I am all out of Tin Foil.
 
THE ONLY thing I will say... and again, I totally think the story we have now is accurate... is that it was a little strange how a second before at 11:00 Penello was saying he had no definitive answers yet and was waiting for e-mails/calls back and then Rhindle made a guess and Penello just jumped on that and said it was the right answer. Only minutes before he was saying he was still waiting for a sure answer. To the lay observer it may appear as if he was being an opportunist.

I am sure it's nothing, but that's the only weirdness I can see.

Just when I thought I had closure...

Jack-Donaghy-Cries-Into-A-Pillow-On-30-Rock.gif
 
THE ONLY thing I will say... and again, I totally think the story we have now is accurate... is that it was a little strange how a second before at 11:00 Penello was saying he had no definitive answers yet and was waiting for e-mails/calls back and then Rhindle made a guess and Penello just jumped on that and said it was the right answer. Only minutes before he was saying he was still waiting for a sure answer. To the lay observer it may appear as if he was being an opportunist.

I am sure it's nothing, but that's the only weirdness I can see.

Timing is strange, but I think purely coincidental. I just can't see any possible way how MS would make this game not playable offline if you don't have Gold. It would earn them so much ire from gamers for a marginal incentive for people to subscribe to the service.
 
It is interesting that Albert wasn't initially able to confirm the xbone's behaviour (stating "this is what I believe is going on" and offering to investigate) until Rhindle offered his own guesses 20 minutes later, which he promptly agreed with. It would be good if Albert Penello can confirm in his own words that the machine bricked because of code expiration, and not because of broken code which he originally alluded to merely minutes earlier by saying that "This is why we were saying we didn't want people on early - it's not done yet".
 
THE ONLY thing I will say... and again, I totally think the story we have now is accurate... is that it was a little strange how a second before at 11:00 Penello was saying he had no definitive answers yet and was waiting for e-mails/calls back and then Rhindle made a guess and Penello just jumped on that and said it was the right answer. Only minutes before he was saying he was still waiting for a sure answer. To the lay observer it may appear as if he was being an opportunist.

I am sure it's nothing, but that's the only weirdness I can see.

Yeah it seems strange, his first answer (in the OP) made it look like it was because of OS bug, because is not 100% ready. Again he could be in some sort of NDA and he can't say it directly.
 
Just to the whole "build that expires every 24 hours for testing purposes". That does not seem likely to me as QA would lose their minds if they had to restart their test scripts that often, nevermind the sheer amount of regression testing that would have to be done on top of the release notes that would have to be prepped to ensure the fixed defects were actually fixed. However, doing this 2 weeks before going live is extremely risky - running this project is probably not fun :/.

My guess is this is a DRM issue and will hopefully be resolved before launch.
 
The guys who made Halo left long ago though. Now they demo Destiny on PS4.

Maybe you aren't that informed then because the most important man in that process recently left Bungie.


Halo is more than just a video game series, it's a franchise. Games, Books, TV Shows, Movies (God willing) toys... There is more to come.
 
Maybe you aren't that informed then because the most important man in that process recently left Bungie.


Halo is more than just a video game series, it's a franchise. Games, Books, TV Shows, Movies (God willing) toys... There is more to come.

It means nothing, it's just a name when the devs change. It's like Uncharted without Naughty Dog, or GTA without Rockstar.
 
After all the PR bs Penello and the other MS guys have releases sicne the Xbone reveal I ain't trusting them.

Release the doddamn truth and stop making excuses!
 
What the fuck are we even talking about?

The product isn't out yet.

They are constantly updating the OS. And they say they are still working on it.

Start bitching on November 22 if it doesn't work as advertised.

As a software developer, I find it funny how people try to judge the system based on a build that's clearly still in development. The build wasn't even meant to be released to the final user yet. Whether the DRM 24h check is still there or not is meaningless, because this is not the build that users will receive on November 22 and the code responsible for the DRM can be removed as late as even on November 21 (it would be unwise from developers POV, because of the lack of time for testing, but it would make no difference for the final user).
 
I think this thread should probably get locked now that Penello has spoken on this matter.

Just like the thread where he said MS wouldn't give up a 30% power advantage to Sony. Should have locked that one too since he's always on the money.
 
After all the PR bs Penello and the other MS guys have releases sicne the Xbone reveal I ain't trusting them.

Release the doddamn truth and stop making excuses!

How do they release the truth if you immediately disbelieve anything they say?

Not that skepticism isn't unwarranted, but that kinda sounds like a no win situation.
 
So do we know if the PS4 version of Ghosts has the same behaviour? Because we know that Sony allow publishers to have the same 24 hour check on PS4 games, they said so at E3. So if the Xbone version has a 24 hour check but the PS4 version doesn't, then there's some serious questions to be asked there about what's going on. Incentives from MS to put the check in place? Try and get as many games as possible doing it so that a wholesale switch of policy seems less abrupt later in the generation?
 
damn, can't go one day without a "ms has fucked up post" eh? so this moonlightswami thing went from a dude excited with his new xbox and enjoying himself online and posting positive reviews of it --> ban his console --> unban, but disabled live which has the nice side effect of turning off offline play and renewing fears of ms' drm debacle from earlier in the year.

it's a good thing you stopped him from posting those pics on twitter, eh microsoft? fuck that good publicity.
 
As a software developer, I find it funny how people try to judge the system based on a build that's clearly still in development. The build wasn't even meant to be released to the final user yet. Whether the DRM 24h check is still there or not is meaningless, because this is not the build that users will receive on November 22 and the code responsible for the DRM can be removed as late as even on November 21 (it would be unwise from developers POV, because of the lack of time for testing, but it would make no difference for the final user).

This isn't a fair world. Microsoft tried to screw a lot of people with that DRM and this time they got the short stick, all they can do is endure the pressure, like Sony did back in 2007.
 
I don't know if its been mentioned before but I received my copy of cod ghosts for the ps4 this morning from Amazon UK and there is no mention of offline play enabled on the back at all.
 
For sure this has nothing to do with requiring a connection. There is no "DRM removal" in the Day One update because none of the consoles were ever built with that stuff in it.
Wait, I thought they said that was the whole point of the day one update?
 
Wait a minute, something here doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe someone can explain this?

For sure this has nothing to do with requiring a connection. There is no "DRM removal" in the Day One update because none of the consoles were ever built with that stuff in it.

Then why doesn't the console work without the Day 1 Update? Then why did Microsoft said the Day 1 was required to remove the DRM when they announced the Day 1 Update?

Who's lying here, because clearly someone is? And why is anyone lying about this delicate subject 2 weeks before launch?

I would suggest Microsoft find someone competent to give clear answers about this because right now this doesn't sound good.
 
At some point one has to realize it is time to run. Just lace up your shoes, grab a powerbar or a shot of Fireball Whiskey, what ever it takes. But just run as far and as fast from the Xbox One as your legs will carry you.

Remove all of the negativity, though much warranted, created by fans. You still have an amalgam of anti-gamer plans, policies, designs, and procedures that should have warning lights and sirens blaring in everyone's head. Nothing Albert or Major Nelson have stated correctly and fully explains some very common sense examination of the facts.

At some point you have to make a leap of faith, and faith in MS at this point is little more than a fool's errand. MS are the ones that need to leap to the side of the gamers and they cannot and will not do that with public responses that raise as many questions as they answer.
 
Wait a minute, something here doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe someone can explain this?

Then why doesn't the console without the Day 1 Update? Then why did Microsoft said the Day 1 was required to remove the DRM when they announced the Day 1 Update?

Who's lying here, because clearly someone is? And why is anyone lying about this delicate subject 2 weeks before launch?

I would suggest Microsoft find someone competent to give clear answers about this because right now this doesn't sound good.
Wait, I thought they said that was the whole point of the day one update?

Read this one
From Kotaku 6/19/13

UPDATE: Microsoft clarifies that the planned day-one Xbox One update, which Whitten told me, will "complete some of the software that won’t be there," is actually not a result of today's DRM policy change. Rather, it was always planned and will simply be required for playing off-line, among other things. Not a patch, they say. But, yes, your new Xbox console would have to connect online once in order to do the things Microsoft described today. And then you can keep it offline and play games without re-connecting to the Internet forever.P
http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-drm-reversal-cuts-features-requires-one-time-514419715
 
What the fuck are we even talking about?

The product isn't out yet.

They are constantly updating the OS. And they say they are still working on it.

Start bitching on November 22 if it doesn't work as advertised.

Yes and no... how can we have an idea of the product we're hesitating to buy? its gonna be too late to bitch about it if i just bought the console.. and those pre orders dont wait...
 
Jesus fuck this console wars has even dived into conspiracy theory stuff....

Where is the conspiracy theory here? We have facts about a console with a Day 1 Update that doesn't work after banning from LIVE. If you think this is normal and everyone should shut up about this, then I don't know what to tell you.
 
The only part of this that doesn't point towards at least publisher-specific DRM check-ins is that it's not immediately obvious from the COD:Ghosts box (just missing 'offline play enabled' or whatever from the back isn't enough—it would say 'REQUIRES AN INTERNET CONNECTION') and that it's not in Activision's interest to keep it a secret that their game needs an internet connection for SP.

However, since according to Penello there's no DRM in the OS update, and I see no reason for him to lie about that, it strikes me that the most sensible explanation so far is that Activision, for whatever reason, have included DRM in Ghosts. And if that's so, then as I said there need to be serious questions asked about why publishers are doing it on MS's console and not Sony's.

The alternative is that a banned console means no single-player games, which is totally appalling behaviour from MS and would guarantee that I do not buy their console.
 
Didn't CBOAT or Thuway say something about another secret and shit will hit the fan when it's discovered?
Is the DRM still being there the other secret?
 
Why do people keep quoting that Kotaku piece? The patch is still needed to remove the DRM. Playing offline was one of the things the original DRM restricted.

Am I missing something?

EDIT: OH! There's no OS-level DRM because there is no OS on the ONE in the first place, and that's what the day one update is REALLY for. Huh. MS should explain that better.

Well then...
 
What the fuck are we even talking about?

The product isn't out yet.

They are constantly updating the OS. And they say they are still working on it.

Start bitching on November 22 if it doesn't work as advertised.

I'd add that most places have a pretty damned good return policy. These weeks are supposed to be about excitement... but instead we get bitching. Sure, my system has issues I might return it. But you know what, until then I'll just go with the joy of digging into a new box of something I into to put a lot of time into.
At this point you have either pre-ordered it or you're just jumping on board to validate your purchase of "the other guys." If the Day 1 patch fails, you'll get your chance to put it on blast. What's really the point at this moment?
There isn't one. It changes nothing. It's ALL conjecture.

Remember: Save your receipts and just chill. There is always someone else willing to take your money. -Adam
 
Yes and no... how can we have an idea of the product we're hesitating to buy? its gonna be too late to bitch about it if i just bought the console.. and those pre orders dont wait...

Cancel pre-order. Wait for someone to buy the console (at least one person in the world will buy it, right?) and wait for that person's opinion. Then based on facts - not rumors, not claims and/or assumptions based on unfinished software - decide whether you want to buy the product or not.
 
THE ONLY thing I will say... and again, I totally think the story we have now is accurate... is that it was a little strange how a second before at 11:00 Penello was saying he had no definitive answers yet and was waiting for e-mails/calls back and then Rhindle made a guess and Penello just jumped on that and said it was the right answer. Only minutes before he was saying he was still waiting for a sure answer. To the lay observer it may appear as if he was being an opportunist.

I am sure it's nothing, but that's the only weirdness I can see.

He's always been an opportunist. There's nothing new there
 
"Major Nelson also tweeted something similar but it was removed for a while. When it returned he'd added 'this' on the end of the sentence. Some speculated that he might have fainted and hit the return with his forehead but that's purely speculation at this point."

Hahahahaha.

So THAT's why the PS4 box said Offline Enabled (taken from here)

e4uKhTG.png
I'm surprised none of us picked up on that earlier.
 
Where is the conspiracy theory here? We have facts about a console with a Day 1 Update that doesn't work after banning from LIVE. If you think this is normal and everyone should shut up about this, then I don't know what to tell you.

Are we day 1 yet?
No, so if your interested why not wait it out. I dont really care what people do with their money.
But to loose sleep over it just cancel the X1 preorder if it bugs you this uncertainty.
And let it run its course till after launch.
 
Are we day 1 yet?
No, so if your interested why not wait it out. I dont really care what people do with their money.
But to loose sleep over it just cancel the X1 preorder if it bugs you this uncertainty.
And let it run its course till after launch.
He can't play a game offline. It's pretty worrying.
 
Wait a minute, something here doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe someone can explain this?



Then why doesn't the console work without the Day 1 Update? Then why did Microsoft said the Day 1 was required to remove the DRM when they announced the Day 1 Update?

Who's lying here, because clearly someone is? And why is anyone lying about this delicate subject 2 weeks before launch?

I would suggest Microsoft find someone competent to give clear answers about this because right now this doesn't sound good.
Going off what was said here earlier, In layman's terms, the console ships without an OS. Its just a patcher. There is no DRM to remove because the OS on the box is just a patcher to download the OS.
 
How do they release the truth if you immediately disbelieve anything they say?

Not that skepticism isn't unwarranted, but that kinda sounds like a no win situation.
Well its kind of hard to believe them after all the PR talk they have been doing. Pinella says one thing to us here on gaf then say something different to the public. For example his recent drm article recently. He comes here trying to sell himself as an open to the gaf hard-core community then turn around and made the comments about people not being ready for Microsofts plan for the future. I wonder if the different parts in the XBox whole even community with accurate new information or is it a free for all over there.
 
Bah i'm clueless, too much going on, too many revised policies, half spoken truths, rumors by insiders.
My stance now in wait and see, let the beta testing be done by early adopters, so when there will be facts out there, i will know exactly what's about the xbone one and evaluate a purchase accordingly.
 
Top Bottom