Blizzard VP Surprised Everyone Hates Diablo III’s Always-On Requirement

[radio667]

from gamefront.com ................ At least one Blizzard VP doesn’t get why no one is happy that Diablo III will require a persistent Internet connection to play.

Blizzard’s VP of online technologies, Robert Bridenbecker, told MTV Multiplayer that he was surprised everyone was so annoyed at the idea of Diablo requiring an Internet connection. He says it’s not a DRM thing, like Ubisoft’s recent online pass announcement, but more about keeping the system controlled and keeping players from cheating it, basically — maintaining “the sanctity of the actual game systems.”

“‘You’re guaranteeing that there are no hacks, no dupes,’ Bridenbacker said of the system, which guarantees single-player Diablo III characters wouldn’t be unduly overpowered if and when players brought them online,” Gamasutra wrote in its story on the matter. Also no mods .

Meanwhile, anybody with money can purchase whatever they want from Diablo III’s auction house , thereby allowing them to power themselves up with weapons and goodies as long as they pay Blizzard for the privilege. Makes perfect sense.

It also makes complete sense that a VP at “we have more money than we know what to do with” Blizzard wouldn’t understand why people might be pissed that they have to pay for an Internet connection for the privilege of playing a Blizzard game, even if they choose not to play it online at all. Or that some people might live in areas that don’t have broadband service. Or that they might not be able to afford an Internet bill.

But seriously, why wouldn’t everyone just pay $50-$100 a month for an Internet connection and play with a gold-plated mouse (it works the best, after all) and eat caviar for all meals — I mean, it’s only money, right, Blizzard?

[Angel_Mapper]

Originally Posted by radio667

‘You’re guaranteeing that there are no hacks, no dupes,’ Bridenbacker said of the system

Of course!