Halo Infinite's physical disc doesn't contain the full game - what's going on?

Date:
Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:31:20 +0000

Description:
Its been discovered that the disc version of Halo Infinite doesnt actually contain the full playable game.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

The disc version of Halo Infinite doesnt actually contain the full playable game, instead, it requires online DRM to install the game - this means youll need an internet connection to download the full game with its patches, meaning the game cannot be installed offline.

John Linneman from Digital Foundry has complained via Twitter that Halo Infinite's disc doesnt contain a playable game, this'll be the first Halo
game you can't really own as a standalone copy.

Linneman goes on to write in another tweet , the disc doesn't seem to allow you to play the game without connecting and downloading data. If you install it offline, it's just a partial game install and it does not run (at least on Series X/S). This ultimately means if you dont have an internet connection
you won't be able to install and play the game offline - even the single-player campaign. My biggest complaint regarding Halo Infinite really
is that the disc doesn't contain a playable game. This'll be the first Halo game you can't really own as a standalone copy. This is not a good trend and
I hope MS reconsiders things like this. December 6, 2021 See more

We dont know why Microsoft has done this with Halo Infinite. It isnt due to its file size, considering the physical version of Microsoft Flight Simulator came with multiple discs to ensure the full game is able to install offline.

Its more likely because of Xboxs Smart Delivery, as there isnt a separate
disc for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions of Halo Infinite - these game discs tend to only contain the Xbox One versions of games, then the disc will need an internet connection to download and access the enhanced Xbox Series X/S version of games. This is different from PlayStation, where games come in two separate versions for the PS4 and PS5 and also come with a full version
of games on the disc, which can be played from start to finish without going online to download patches. Analysis: Is Xbox serious about game
preservation?

While Microsoft has currently been leading the game industry on game preservation with its push to preserve older games - Xbox CEO Phil Spencer
has recently called for industry-wide game preservation per a report from Axios - the Xbox Series X/S does have major issues with online DRM. Halo Infinite is not the only Xbox game that requires online DRM, many others do too.

Youtuber Modern Vintage Gamer tested physical smart delivery versions of
games like Tomb Raider and Hitman 3, and both refused to work offline and required an internet connection. He also tested native Xbox Series X/S physical games like Devil May Cry 5 and those versions seem to be able to be played and installed offline.

This is a shame for game preservation, as it essentially means if Microsoft does decide to take its servers offline you wont be able to play or install physical smart delivery versions of your Xbox Series X/S games.

Microsoft has recommended keeping your Xbox Series X/S as your Home Console
in the settings, but this solution has been described as a band-aid and
doesnt seem to make your games install and work offline.

There isnt only a problem with online DRM with Xbox Series X/S discs, but
also the console itself. According to Twitter account Doesitplay1 - whose account is focused on online DRM in gaming - the Xbox Series X/S requires an online activation to a server to set up the console - so if you dont have access to the internet, or if Microsoft decides to shut down servers, you
wont be able to set up a new Xbox Series X/S console. Eventually this will render all formats and repairs impossible producing tons of e-waste. Again a simple solution would be for @XboxP3 to ask for this requirement to be removed. Showing Xboxs intentions as a preservation focussed platform as they say they are April 18, 2021 See more

If it really cares about game preservation, Microsoft would make moves to end online DRM on its consoles. Hopefully, Halo Infinite will receive a complete edition down the line that will have the full game on the disc, as this is
one best Halo games made in years - we gave Halo Infinite a rare five-star rating in our review . Best Xbox Series X games : essential titles you need
to play



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/halo-infinites-physical-disc-doesnt-contain-the -full-game-whats-going-on/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)