Monday, April 2nd 2012
Durango Implements Always-On DRM, Multi-GPU
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed "Durango", will implement an "always-on" DRM, according to a VG 24/7 report. Always-on is a stringent anti-piracy measure that's already in use with some PC game titles published by Ubisoft, which requires the players to be connected to the Internet when playing. Even as its proponents (read: game publishers only), claim increased sales, it faces strong opposition from the gaming community. The Christmas 2013 (tentative) launch of Durango rides on the assumption that fast, always-on broadband Internet will have proliferated to every living room.
Next up, there's talk of Durango featuring a unique multi-GPU hardware design that doesn't resemble symmetric PC multi-GPU technologies such as NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire, but instead, the two GPUs will be tasked with rendering the same object redundantly. Perhaps Durango features native flicker-free stereoscopic 3D capability, and the two GPUs are merely rendering the two planes? Once again, there's talk that these GPUs will be designed by AMD. The CPU of Durango will feature "four or six" cores. Lastly, Blu-ray disc is back as the storage medium, in these latest rumors.
Sources:
VG247, VR-Zone
Next up, there's talk of Durango featuring a unique multi-GPU hardware design that doesn't resemble symmetric PC multi-GPU technologies such as NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire, but instead, the two GPUs will be tasked with rendering the same object redundantly. Perhaps Durango features native flicker-free stereoscopic 3D capability, and the two GPUs are merely rendering the two planes? Once again, there's talk that these GPUs will be designed by AMD. The CPU of Durango will feature "four or six" cores. Lastly, Blu-ray disc is back as the storage medium, in these latest rumors.
41 Comments on Durango Implements Always-On DRM, Multi-GPU
What happens when XBOX "3" no longer has support from Microsoft? Will that kill the ability to even have a working XBOX "3" 20 years from now when people could still have fully functioning NES/SNES/N64 systems that are free of restrictions?
I'm fine with Steam, but I'll hate the day that the Steam network ceases to exist (if the software now is still even compatible with computers then).
The problem then was that XBOX Live was designed for no dedicated servers, Microsoft could shut down the last one. The problem now is that they're designing no "dedicated" way of allowing you to play games on your own next XBOX, Microsoft can allow you your last session.
1 - It is still crackable, so piracy will still be a problem for titles.
2 - It is a huge pain in the butt, wildly unpopular - and will actually hurt sales to some extent.
Some game devs will take advantage of the always on DRM, until they realize that it does not stop piracy to any extent, as there will be some exploit which will get around it.
That's why I got sooo mad when I bought a retail box of Skyrim and couldn't play because the thing required Steam, and was forced to get a no-steam crack through other means. The crack did more than just taking care of the steam requirement though, and after being annoyed by the situation, and disappointed by the game on top of it, sold the unused serial key on eBay for $40, lol.
I think we can take whatever they claim with a grain of salt.
Shortly after, they'll release the "perfect game". With the information gathered, it'll adapt to the user, creating a scenerio where the add-ons, upgrades, and DLC will be nearly irresitable to buy.
Can't crack it, they're always watching...
I wouldn't be surprised if the secondary GPU could be repurposed for, for example, physics calculations. Games tend to either be graphically heavy and physics light or graphically simple and physics heavy. Two discreet GPUs allows the hardware to cater to that.
"Property" is implied as something tangible like a house, a computer, a car, or the clothes on their back. Not something intangible that can be copied a billion times a second without the original "owner" losing anything.
...but, I digress. No need to turn this thread into another one of those so I'll stop there. :)
Late April's Fool or just a lame rumour on the first paragraph? You decide~! :roll:
Got it.