For months, the Xbox 720 has been plagued with rumors of always-online when it comes to enjoying gaming experience, and it seems that this was the root of frustration and distaste for Xbox fans.

However, the most recent leak connected to the next-gen console, it seems that the rumors will now be quelled.

An internal document meant for Microsoft employees who are working on the next-gen console has been leaked, and, if the contents are to be believed, it disregards all rumors about the always-on requirement.

"Durango [the codename for he next Xbox] is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today's Internet," reads the statement as quoted by Digital Spy.

"There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should 'just work' regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes, playing a single-player game."

EuroGamer adds that the document still hints at the necessity of Internet connection if only for the installation, as there is no clear method as to how it will be done using the console. However, it can mean that, upon installation, you can easily play a game offline.

Closer reading of the text shows that the statement already implies two more things about the Xbox 720: connection to live TV and Blu-ray disc capabilities. This ties up neatly with what the next-gen Xbox is aiming for--an entertainment hub that goes beyond the comfort zone of just gaming.

May 21 is just two weeks away, and if speculations prove to be true, the hardware will be revealed for developers and publishers, so feature-wise, Microsoft may be announcing what gamers can expect of the Xbox 720 this month.

PS4: Share Button not so sharable after all?

"There will be parts of a game that the maker does not want people to be able to see," said Yoshida in a statement as quoted by GameSpot. "The creator may not want to make video of the final boss sharable, for instance."

It's a bit tricky to deal with the concept of limited sharing. On the upside, those who are just looking for screenshots or seeking help to get through a level won't have to be annoyed at stumbling upon the final level scene, one which, for some gamers, can be a Holy Grail in itself.

On the other hand, limited sharable content will mean that the gamers are no longer in control of how they can enjoy and share the game with friends. Already putting al imitation before the game is released already limits the gamers' experience.

In essence, this is just an extra added burden, if only because even now, gamers are finding a way to document their gaming experience as the game that they bought is already theirs to do with as they please.

It won't be surprising if the limitations are all but ignored come the actual development and playing of the PS4, because, as Ars Technica reports it, once developers see that there are ways to keep the excitement for the game afloat without having to limit what people can do with their games, the limits will no longer be necessary at all.

The water cooler effect for sharing

But it seems that developers need not necessarily use the ability to block aspects of a game, at least this isn't the case with Quantic Dream CEO David Cage.

"We want the 'water cooler effect.' We had it on Heavy Rain. People talked about it, and they said, 'I did this. What did you do?'" Cage said to VG 24/7. "The only different is that now, they will be able to capture and share it with their friends. That's fine. People bought the game. They are free to enjoy it the way they want."

Of course, Cage is still a firm believer that gamers should experience the game on their own and firsthand, before going off to share it with the world. Just so you don't run on the expectations already shared to you.

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