Hype Rumor: Will Forza Motorsport 5 Require An “Always Online” Connection?

It has been more than a week since Microsoft announced the new Xbox One console.  The event was supposed to inspire excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm among gamers and tech-enthusiasts everywhere.  However, the presentation ended up causing a firestorm among the core gamer group due to reports that the new Xbox One would require a fee to play used games, cannot be turned off, and the biggest log on the fire: it would require a connection to the internet to work.

The fervor was only magnified by vague responses from Microsoft officials when game journalists questioned them about these rumors point blank.  One thing that was clearly communicated is that the Xbox One device itself would not require an internet connection to work, but if software producers wanted to make that a part of their games not only are they free to do so but Microsoft would encourage it.

Now, Forza Motorsport 5 was the first game shown for the Xbox One and is a confirmed launch title.  Forza 5 also comes via Microsoft Studios.  This means, even though the game is created by Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft certainly has some level of influence.  If Microsoft is really encouraging software developers to go the “always online” route; does this mean that Forza Motorsport 5 would be the champion of that initiative?

In the official announcement post on the Forza Motorsport website it states that Forza Motorsport 5 will “take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud”.  Usually when you hear the word “cloud” that is code for “features dependent on the internet”.  Although, it could just mean that Forza Motorsport 5 will have asynchronous multiplayer features such as the rivals mode in Forza Motorsport 4 and Forza Horizon.

What do you think?  Will Forza Motorsport 5 require an internet connection to work? If it does, will that influence your opinion of the game?  Would it be a deal-breaker, an incentive, or are you simply indifferent?

While you ponder that I will try my best to bring you continued updated information on the next installment of the Forza franchise.  I will also hopefully get some play time with the game in just under two weeks at E3, after which I will give you my impressions.

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