Microsoft has backpedaled on requiring Xbox One consumers to connect to Xbox Live once a day, but that won't stop first- and third-party developers from utilizing cloud-computing in their online games, which Microsoft might support with a newly expanded Des Moines, Iowa server farm.
The software giant will build their data center out to the tune of $700 million, receiving roughly $20 million in tax breaks from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board. We assume the expansion is in line to support the launch of Xbox One, but the data center will likely provided infrastructure for Office 365 and other Microsoft Office applications as well.
Despite Xbox One apologists insisting that whiney consumers are at fault and that the Xbox One sucks now that it doesn't have always-online functionality, Microsoft seems to be carrying onward with their Live-service expansion.
Could it be that internet-enabled features will be just as effective in getting users online as requiring consumers to connect outright? You know, as it has been throughout the entire life of Xbox 360.
[Via]
