Last Friday, we covered how Adam Orth, a creative director at Microsoft was bashing those that complained about always-online systems, suggesting people should just put up with it. This annoyed Microsoft and Xbox fans, as well as many gamers in general – especially coming off the back of EA's Sim City debacle. Understandably, Microsoft has now apologised for his actions, distancing itself from the man's words.
“We apologise for the inappropriate comments made by an employee on Twitter yesterday,” the statement reads. “This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views do not reflect the customer centric approach we take to our products or how we would communicate directly with our loyal consumers.”
“We are very sorry if this offended anyone, however we have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter,” it concludes.
Would an always-on Xbox 720 mean you'll buy something else?
Of course no one was “offended” by what Orth said, it was more that it gave further evidence that Microsoft's next-gen system would make use of always-on technology; and if that's the case, possibly the removal of used game support too.
We don't know this for sure, as Microsoft is as always not really commenting on future developments, but if these rumours turn out to bear fruit, then the Xbox 720 Durango could find itself at the bottom of the next-gen pack.
KitGuru Says: A guy ranting away on Twitter doesn't matter, he's just a dummy who doesn't know his customer base – or doesn't care. What does matter, is whether Microsoft secretly agrees with the pro always-on argument. If so, a lot of people will skip Microsoft's next Xbox offering.
[Thanks MCV]
This guy is being slated for having a public opinion, shame.
If he did it from a Microsoft account then fair play to Microsoft but since when did you need to be classed as a spokesperson to have an opinion on a product?
Well I would not purchase a system that needs always on as my net tends to go off as well as I take my xbox to families house who don’t have the internet for family games.