dslreports logo
 story category
Microsoft Cans Employee That Mocked 'Always On' Xbox Concerns
'Deal With It,' Say Annoyed Xbox Users

Microsoft has apparently fired the Microsoft employee who used Twitter to mock consumer concerns about upcoming DRM for the new Xbox. Several leaks have suggested that the next Xbox will require a constantly-functioning broadband connection as a DRM and used-game sales countermeasure, though Microsoft has yet to officially comment. Microsoft Studios employee Adam Orth recently took to Twitter, proclaiming he "doesn't get the drama" about devices simply not working without connectivity, and that "those people should definitely get with the times and get the Internet" and "deal with it."

Click for full size
Orth later claimed he was simply trolling a personal friend, but the damage had already been done. Orth's comments quickly went viral and became an Internet Meme. According to Game Informer, Orth is no longer with Microsoft:
quote:
Game Informer has learned from sources close to the matter that Orth is no longer with Microsoft. A call to Microsoft's main switchboard confirmed this fact. Our sources, who wish to remain anonymous, suggest that Orth resigned in the wake of last week's events. We haven't been able to confirm whether this was a voluntary or forced resignation.

Microsoft isn't commenting on the "always on" rumor or today's talk of a May 21 reveal for the console.
Obviously this all highlights the dangers of social media when employed by a large company obsessed with brand protection on the cusp of a major new product launch. At the same time, after firing an employee for mocking user DRM concerns, Microsoft's probably going to turn around and mock user DRM concerns when they try to insist aggressive always-on DRM -- and potentially anti-used game countermeasures -- are simply part of the "amazing vision" behind the new console.

Most recommended from 80 comments



aurgathor
join:2002-12-01
Lynnwood, WA

2 recommendations

aurgathor

Member

learn to post anonymously

I learned back in college (in the 90's) that one shouldn't post using his/her real name and email, if for nothing else than spam.

Based on what was shown in the linked article he didn't post anything that bad, but still, he was stupid, and he paid for it.

I think I can say with 99% certainty that he was offered the possibility of resigning, or the possibility of being fired if he doesn't resign. And he was stupid there, too. Last time I had this offer, I chose the latter, and got almost 6 months of paid time out of it. And he could've sued for wrongful termination, too.