"illegal to sell used PS3 games" says Sony

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

Sony is saying it's illegal to sell used PS3 games. Looks like they are taking a licensing approach. When you buy the software you license it instead of buying it. Will this fly I don't know.

http://www.gamesradar.com/gb/ps3/game/news/article.jsp?articleId=20060524153157765035&sectionId=1006

[slade]

Old and unsubstantiated.

They're just regurgitating the old 'Ken Kutaragi looking to do away with used games' story that pervaded the internet late last year.

[theWacoKid]

Old and unsubstantiated.

They're just regurgitating the old 'Ken Kutaragi looking to do away with used games' story that pervaded the internet late last year.

Old and unsubstantiated?! Yeah, like most of your effin posts, so what's the problem. And no, it isn't old, einstein. This is apparently a new development concerning retailers in the UK. And so far, sony isn't denying it.

Next gen biz also has an article on the development.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3086&Itemid=2


Sony, which is refusing to comment on the story, does have a patent on technology which would tie a piece of software to an individual piece of hardware. But technology and desire are not the only parts of the puzzle. Whether the company would be prepared to take on retail, consumer goodwill and, most likely, the U.S courts, is another matter.

[slade]

Your article is only establishing the relatively old state of this news. It was clear from last year's news that Sony had patents for this sort of thing. And as your story states, 'technology and desire are not the only parts of the puzzle.'

About retailers in the UK, are these the same retailers saying that every console Sony produces for PS3's launch is going to sell out? That we're talking about a new PS console and not the new Xbox. That regardless of price, people will still buy it.

[Brendon]

Um, dosn't use of such technology completely and utterly nulify the game rental market, which is the only thing stopping most people from buying the worst crap immaginable.

Nevermind, that's what game makers would want, isn't it.

[Superior Beatslayer]

I can see this as only bad news for future PS3 owners. I can tell you that when I had the Xbox used games and trading my games in for new ones, were somewhat my saving grace. But then again, just because it's illegal won't stop people from doing it I guarentee you that, unless Sony actually implements that piracy thing where the disc only works on one certain console, than PS3ers are in a hole.

[thug]

Even if Sony put some sort of licensing system in on the games I don't see it making a huge difference. The majority of gamers work off of a budget. I think you'd see a big drop in games purchased at release and more patience for price drops. Personally, I think it's crazy to pay full price for a game...unless it's that 1 title per year that you're dying to play. Retailers like TRU, Circuit City, Target, and Best Buy routinely clearance off games and if you're lucky you can find them for 75-90% off of their original cost. Then game stores like GS/EB often have sales like B2G1. Then there is Ebay where you almost always get a better price selling than anywhere else. I think publishers need to give more incentive to buy early because right now there really isn't much other than certain gamers being anxious to play.

[trebor]

Does that mean they could do that with Blu-Ray movies as well? That would effectively kill the Blu-Ray rental market, and force consumers to buy every movie they want to see in HD.

I hope Sony does do this - it will make HD-DVD's victory come a lot quicker.

[Mochan]

Well, I was whining about this a year back when that DRM crap got out of the bag. Making a blueray disk work only on the first machine it's popped into is nuts.

Good thing I'm gonna pirate all my PS3 games. If they want us to buy PS3s withotu games, then that's what I'll do. I'll buy a PS3 but not buy a single game. That'll teach them.

[Brendon]

Well, I was whining about this a year back when that DRM crap got out of the bag. Making a blueray disk work only on the first machine it's popped into is nuts.

Good thing I'm gonna pirate all my PS3 games. If they want us to buy PS3s withotu games, then that's what I'll do. I'll buy a PS3 but not buy a single game. That'll teach them.
It's like the copious, unskipable and irritatingly loud anti-piracy bit you get on pretty much all DVDs these days, here's a thought to them, the only way we can watch a movie without having to endure all that crap IS to pirate it. It's like a damn advert for all the benefits of piracy.

[joquito]

There is no reason to worry. If Sony implemented this plan, the largest class-action lawsuit in history would put an end to it. If the public gets pissed off enough, that same ruling would cause a broad fair-use act applying to all software.

[Mochan]

Thank you Sony for your sacrifice!

PS - good gawd DTM finally decided to change his avatar.

[Gadfly2317]

PS - good gawd DTM finally decided to change his avatar.

I give it a thumbs down.

[J_Cunningham]

I'd be interested to see how much money annually places like GameStop and EB make from used games. I'd imagine these companies can't be too happy with this idea, given the sell back-trade-in-buy used shtick is one of the biggest selling points for these retailers. I'd imagine Blockbuster, as well as all the other rental outlets (what about Gamefly.com?), aren't too tickled 'bout this, either.

Seems to me Sony thinks it can do whatever it wants now.

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

I give it a thumbs down.

Cute. I actually screwed up didn't want that there orginally but it'll stay for bit.