PlayStation 4 doesn't require always-on connection

Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed that the PlayStation 4 will not require an always-on Internet connection -- though he suggested you might want to keep it connected for features like automatic updates.

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Following last night's whirlwind of PlayStation 4 announcements, more details have been coming to light regarding persistent rumors that were following the system. For one, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has officially confirmed that the system won't require an always-online Internet connection, joking that they understand some people are "anti-social."

"You can play offline, but you may want to keep it connected," Yoshida told Eurogamer. "The system has the low-power mode - I don't know the official term - that the main system is shut down but the subsystem is awake. Downloading or updating or you can wake it up using either the tablet, smartphone or PS Vita."

Pressed if users would be able to go offline completely if they don't care about features like automatic downloads, Yoshida left no room for doubt. "Oh yes, yes, you can go offline totally," he said. "Social is big for us, but we understand there are some people who are anti-social! So if you don't want to connect to anyone else, you can do that."

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  • reply
    February 21, 2013 9:00 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, PlayStation 4 doesn't require always-on connection.

    Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed that the PlayStation 4 will not require an always-on Internet connection -- though he suggested you might want to keep it connected for features like automatic updates.

    • reply
      February 21, 2013 9:26 AM

      Well, my wife will rejoice. She plays Demon's and Dark Souls in what I call "pussy mode"--with network connectivity disabled so she won't get invaded. :D

      • reply
        February 21, 2013 9:35 AM

        I'm just glad because honestly, none of their "we're all connected all the time" stuff resonates with me.

        When I'm playing games, that's my time. I play them almost entirely by myself, and at home. When I'm interested in interacting with people, I'd rather not be playing videogames. And if I'm out of the house? I'm not the type to care for checking on whether my "club" has been invited to challenge someone else's tonight, or to stream to my Vita so I can keep playing Final Fantasy whatever.

        Game time is game time and life time is a separate thing, at least for me. The bizarre idea Sony was pushing which seems to suggest a 24-hour a day, "I'm a gamer so I game all the time no matter what" thing just feels fucking weird to me.

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          February 21, 2013 10:23 AM

          None of that resonates with me, either. I grew up playing single-player games, usually by myself because few other family members enjoyed the hobby. Like you, I consider gaming my "me" time. I play some co-op stuff with the wife and when friends swing by, but I'm more of a solitary player. And that's fine.

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            February 21, 2013 10:23 AM

            At the same time, I get Sony's (and likely Microsoft's) emphasis on social networking. That's the way the world's going. At least we can opt out.

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          February 21, 2013 9:18 PM

          Mostly single player here too, but I do find local multiplayer with friends and family to be good fun and Nintendo is the only one doing that - one of the reasons I'm still loyal to N.

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        February 21, 2013 3:20 PM

        I would agree with your sentiments on playing Demon's Souls offline but for the fact that the vast majority of invaders have hundreds of hours logged. If your wife is like myself, in that she's only recently started playing, she realistically doesn't have a legitimate chance at prevailing. It's annoying to be trying to enjoy the game only to be griefed by some ass who is still playing 4 years later with his 500 hour character. All that said, I still play online for the social aspect of helping others who are just starting out (I'm on my second playthrough at the moment).

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      February 21, 2013 10:35 AM

      very very very happy to hear this particular confirmation.. the always online thing is grating to be honest.. i have my gripes with it and that stopped me from buying Diablo 3 and in the future will stop me from buying Sim City too... shame and my loss really.. but i will stick to my principles..

      also, wasnt there some industry rumour or MS press note that with Kinect 2 integration in the NextBox, it will require you to be always online ??? or am i mistaken or misinformed.. any help on this fellows ?

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      February 21, 2013 10:37 AM

      I really hope they go the same route with the next box of x

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        February 21, 2013 3:39 PM

        I hope so too, but MS seems to be in full-retard mode lately.

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