Games Thirst – Amazing Life
“Our new console should require an internet connection to play games! Whether off or online!” The leader of one faction at Microsoft yelled. “No, that’s bullshit!” barks the leader of the opposing side. “Are you people trying to kill the Xbox brand? Because that’s exactly what will happen if you choose to go ahead with this shit.”
And so the war wages on within Microsoft as it scrambles to give a proper response to Sony’s PS4 reveal. Initially the software giant based in Redmond, Washington, was all set to reveal the system that would require an internet connection to work. However when Durango documents leaked online, and gamers learnt of Microsoft’s dirty little secret, a beehive was awaken. People started venting their frustrations on every single gaming forum you could search, and what started off small, ended with a wild scenario when Adam Orth, a creative director at Microsoft, resigned because he said gamers should simply “deal with it”, referring to the next Xbox needing an internet connection to work.
“Guys, let’s use what happened to Orth to our advantage,” offered the leader of the faction within Microsoft that opposes the always-online requirement. “Now’s our chance to make our voices heard. It’s now or never.”
Three Days Later
” Mr. Ballmer, I’m telling you if we go ahead with this, the next Xbox will fail!” The leader of the opposing faction yelled a little. “I’m sorry for yelling sir, but you know I’m passionate about Xbox, and it would be a shame to see the demise of the console for such a trivial issue. There is no reason why Durango should require an internet connection to work. None whatsoever.” Ballmer was perturbed, after all, he was part of the group staunchly pushing for the next Xbox to be always-on and always-connected, but he too was looking at the reaction on the internet and couldn’t help but think of the repercussions of such a move.
“I’m telling you sir,” it’s dangerous – “listen!” Ballmer had had enough. “Just listen to me!” “We’ll do what you say. I’ll have to do some explaining to the other top guys, but I think you’re right. I think it’s a very risky move – but I’m telling you, we’re already late in the game, and it’d be difficult to make this change and be ready for November. We’re already well behind our closest competitor in terms of having software prepared at launch. Did you read Kotaku? How the hell did the blog get that info anyway?” Ballmer barked. “We have traitors in here!”
Ballmer didn’t want to get into a shouting match, nor did he want to elaborate on the leaky situation at Microsoft, especially its Xbox division. He knew there was little time for such arguments. “Okay, we’ll send out a letter to the employees working on Durango stating that there was never a plan in place for the console that demands an internet connection to play games. Also, make sure this leaks out. We don’t have much time.”
Meanwhile, the faction rooting for Durango to require an internet connection to work was seething with anger. “This is what you get when you read freaking NeoGAF to make decisions concerning a multi-billion dollar venture. Who cares how the hell they feel?! I guarantee you that it’s a vocal minority causing this stir. I’m telling you, most people won’t give a shit.”
“And how the hell are we suppose to achieve this? How on God’s earth are we to be fully prepared against Sony when we’re changing strategies at the finish line! Come on! We’re doomed, man! We are freaking doomed! I’m tired of this back and forth shit!”
As if the dissent at Microsoft wasn’t bad enough, the problem spread to some developers who, after being promised a dev kit for months, only recently received them – and there are some who haven’t received anything from Microsoft, yet Durango will launch in November.
