The id Software Supports “Always On” for Diablo 3

"There will be a few people who will resent the fact you have to be online to play a single-player game. But it'll change." --- Tim Willits, id Software Director

The argument over Blizzard’s decision to require an “always on” Internet connection for Diablo 3 has been raging since the game’s release. Supporters say that it provides developers more flexibility in how it approaches the game. Moreover, players are virtually online when they play anyway.

On the contrary, those who are not thrilled with the idea pointed out that not every gamer has a reliable and full-time connection. Moreover, making the “always on” as a requirement is unreasonable and unfair for a solo play.

In between the rage, one observer came out strongly on the pro-Blizzard side — Tim Willits. He is the director of id Software, a studio known for its groundbreaking work in online gaming. Tim Willits – who describes himself as “a big proponent of always connected” – likes the “always on” idea. He also thinks that it can go beyond a mile towards molding the gaming industry’s future.

Based on what he said to Eurogamer at QuakeCon last week:

“Diablo 3 will make everyone else accept the fact you have to be connected. f you have a juggernaut, you can make change. I’m all for that. If we could force people to always be connected when you play the game, and then have that be acceptable, awesome.” “In the end, it’s better for everybody. Imagine picking up a game and it’s automatically updated. Or there’s something new you didn’t know about, and you didn’t have to click away. It’s all automatically there. But it does take juggernauts like [Diablo 3] to make change.” “There will be a few people who will resent the fact you have to be online to play a single-player game. But it’ll change.”

Do you agree with Tim Willits? Or do you have your personal reservation when it comes to the “always on” idea? Share your insights by leaving a comment.