'Always On' Could Change Your Gaming Habits Forever

It’s all but set in stone that Microsoft’s sleek, new next-gen iteration of the Xbox — whether it’s called the “Xbox 720” or simply “Xbox” — will star in Tuesday’s major company announcement.

But before you start saving your pennies, it’s important to address a very buzzy rumor surrounding the device: The next Xbox could be “Always On.”

It sounds innocuous enough, but the Always On trend is very polarizing for game developers and fans alike. Some view it as the best way to rid piracy once and for all, while others are concerned its massive drain on resources could affect how everyone plays his or her games.

Mashable spoke with game developers and media distributors across the spectrum, from big companies to tiny studios, to get a handle on what Always On means and how it can affect you. Even if the next Xbox doesn’t come out with Always On capabilities, you will see a lot more of it on your computer, and maybe even in consoles to come. Read more…