Sony Plans to Blocks Used Games Completely

[Depression Moon]

Report: New Sony Patent Blocks Second Hand Games - IGN

I am pissed if this really happens.

[Slothy]

There's a big difference between filing a patent application for something and actually implementing it in your next console.

Frankly, I don't see it happening if only because this whole thing feels like deja vu of six years ago or more before the PS3 was released when Sony had similar technology for limiting used sales at their disposal and they never actually used it despite the trout storm people tried to kick up about it.

Let's put it this way; if Sony did do this the PS4 would be DOA. Now granted, Sony have had a talent for being remarkably stupid since they started moving on from the PS2, but I don't think even they're that stupid.

[Raistlin]

No, this is not evidence of Sony "planning" anything. They patented a new technology, which does not mean that there are any current plans for that technology to be incorporated in the near future. It is equally plausible that it was patented to prevent competitors from using that technology (at least without royalties) or a myriad of other independent business reasons.

In short, until there's actual evidence of such a design being used in an actual console system, this is a non-story.

[Shorty]

Whether or not it actually comes to pass, it's a really troutty thing to even suggest.

There's also the issue of what happens should your console break and need replacing, or if you have more than one console. Will the games be linked to your PSN account, meaning they can still be used, or the console, meaning an entire new library of titles would need to be purchased?

This is the first thing that popped into my head. That is, aside from the obvious "WHAT THE smurf."

[Quindiana Jones]

Just become a PC gamer. All your problems solved.

[DMKA]

They said the same thing about the PS3 before it came out. I can't count how many used games I've played on my PS3.

Just become a PC gamer. All your problems solved.

Right, because we all know PC games never run into DRM issues.

[Quindiana Jones]

Ignorance is bliss.

[Futan]

Worth pointing out that this is no different than what Steam already does. When you buy a game on Steam, the game is locked to your account.

[DMKA]

Worth pointing out that this is no different than what Steam already does. When you buy a game on Steam, the game is locked to your account.

I wonder how people will compare this with the fact that Steam is now making a console?

[Quindiana Jones]

Pffrt, who's buys Steam ga- oh, bugger.

[Futan]

Worth pointing out that this is no different than what Steam already does. When you buy a game on Steam, the game is locked to your account.

I wonder how people will compare this with the fact that Steam is now making a console?

Who knows but that made me realize that with this patent(did they receive it or just apply for it?), Sony could end up suing Valve over the Steambox. Hell, they might not even use it in the PS4 and are doing this just so they can sue Valve.

EDIT: Then again, the Steambox probably won't even have an optical drive.

[Del Murder]

A patent means nothing. I have like 10 patents. And if time travel ever becomes popular, I'll be able to cash in on my patented Temporal Relocation Helmet.

[escobert]

Ohh poo all you console people will have to but your games brand new like us PC gamers. sux2bu

[Shoeberto]

Sony's actually made a pretty decent push into digital distribution with the PSN store. I could see them feasibly trying to take on Steam-esque levels of deals with digital titles to offset this.

Used games is kind of a crappy market, to be honest.

[Iceglow]

I find this ironic since Sony's head office are the guys who traded in the most amount of games (brand new and sealed) when I worked in HMV. We had about 10 of them a week come in who'd make between 200 and 400 a week on trading in games.