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Microsoft exec tells critics of possible always-online Xbox to ‘deal with it’ [updated]

Updated Apr 5th, 2013 3:01PM EDT
Microsoft Executive Xbox

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While we still don’t know for certain if Microsoft (MSFT) will really require an always-on Internet connection for its next-generation Xbox, one Microsoft executive doesn’t see why anyone should be upset about the prospect of being online as a prerequisite to playing games. Kotaku has spotted some tweets sent out by Microsoft Studios creative director Adam Orth on Thursday that hit back at people who were critical of the idea that the Xbox must be online to work properly.

“Sorry, I don’t get the drama over having an ‘always on’ console,” Orth wrote before leaving a hashtag that told people to “#dealwithit.” “Every device now is ‘always on.’ That’s the world we live in.”

Kotaku notes that while Orth’s “opinions here are clearly his own, and make no specific mention of a new Microsoft console, it’ll still turn heads given his position and the timing of the comments,” which came on the same day that Kotaku reported the Microsoft’s new Xbox “must have an active Internet connection to be used.”

UPDATE: Microsoft has given the following response to Orth’s comments to GameInformer: “We are aware of the comments made by an employee on Twitter. This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views are not reflective of those of the company.  We have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter.”

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.