Is @Html.Sitecore().VisitorIdentification() required with Sitecore 8 MVC? -

is following call vistorindentification() still required within sitecore 8 mvc layouts / views?

@using sitecore.mvc.analytics.extensions @html.sitecore().visitoridentification() 

even without it, page visits appeared tracked in tracker.current.contact.system.visitcount , within experience profile information.

what feature or tracking ability dependant on this?

i don't think site break without it, highly recommend adding in full xdb support. without it, believe traffic may treated 'robot' , not tracked. few articles referencing using visitor identification:

http://www.daveleigh.co.uk/sitecore-7-5-mvc-enabling-analytics-xdb/ http://www.daveleigh.co.uk/sitecore-xdb-and-setting-up-mongo-replica-sets/