New Sony Patent Blocks Second Hand Games

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/03/report-new-sony-patent-blocks-second-hand-games

Quote :

Sony has reportedly patented technology that will prevent the use of second hand games on consoles.

According to NeoGAF member gofreak, the patent application was filed on 9 December 2012 by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, and will work by linking individual game discs to a user's account without requiring a network connection meaning any future attempt to use this disc on another user's console won't work.

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The use permission tag stores the terms of use of the game and determines whether a combination of the disc ID and the player ID conveyed from the reproduction device fulfils the terms of use or not.

The patent explains that games will come with contactless tags that will be read by your console in much the same way as modern bank cards. When a disc is first used, the disc ID and player ID will be stored on the tag. Every time the disc is used in future, the tag will check if the two ID’s match up and, if not, then the disc won’t work.

The document goes on to explain that such a device is part of Sony's ongoing efforts to deter second-hand games sales, and is a far simpler solution than always-on DRM or passwords.

It's worth noting that Sony has not confirmed the existence of the device, and the patent doesn't state what machine it will be used in, with later paragraphs also mentioning accessories and peripherals.

It does raise some concerns though. Firstly, the impact on game rental stores would be catastrophic as surely this means they'd no longer be able to do business? Given publishers' usual desire to keep retailers sweet by not undercutting them on prices and the like, this would be an unusual move.

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?

IGN reached out to Sony for comment but was told the company doesn't comment on rumour and speculation.

NO SONY, BAD SONY!

So, hypothetically, if I were to set up a second account on my "PS4" I wouldn't be able to play the game I bought on said account?

That's gick.

Stoney wrote:

So, hypothetically, if I were to set up a second account on my "PS4" I wouldn't be able to play the game I bought on said account?

That's gick.

Well no one's really sure of that yet, as far as whether or not the game is linked to consoles or accounts. Still, it's a pretty shitty thing to do. I am disappoint, Sony.

So if I brought my game to a friends house.... I wouldn't be able to play it at their house?

And if my console broke....when I buy a new console I'd have to purchase my entire games library again?

This is just and all around atrocious idea. I think even Sony has enough sense not to utilize it.

If this happens I'm definitely going TEAM XBOX next generation.

Why's everyone freaking out? "OH NOEZZZ PS4 IZ DOOMZ, IT'S ALL DOOMZ". Most companies patent stuff they NEVER use. I don't remember people all over freaking out when it was rumored for the NeXbox.

yonny616 wrote:

Why's everyone freaking out? "OH NOEZZZ PS4 IZ DOOMZ, IT'S ALL DOOMZ". Most companies patent stuff they NEVER use. I don't remember people all over freaking out when it was rumored for the NeXbox.

Exactly, rumoured, now Sony have patented it, so it has been discussed by the higher ups, big difference between Chinese whispers and a company actually being proactive, as soon as MS patent a similar tech, the same rage will happen.

If the worst does happen i'll be pissed off but then again PC games have been like this for years already.

This is actually happens, I'll be buying the next xbox instead.

Lets be honest, if Sony does it, the much more greedy Microsoft will also most likely come up with a similar maneuver.

Trying to make money from second hand games have been a huge issue in the industry. Look at it this way. Sony now basically holds all the cards. If Microsoft or Nintendo try and do this, Sony can cockblock them or they have to pay Sony money. I RARELY buy used games, I barley let my friends borrow games or vice-versa, so it really doesn't affect me.

or................ maybe Sony is patenting this so other companies cant do this. there by saving second hand games.

"Where other companies blindly follow the truth, remember..."
"Nothing is true."
"Where other companies are limited by morality or law, remember..."
"Everything is permitted."
"We work in the dark to serve the light. We are.... Sony"


GOD SPEED SILENT HERO ;_;7

Spoiler:

Sony, the hero the gaming industry deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll gloom and doom them. Because they're not a hero, they're a silent patenter, a industry protecter, a gaming knight.

Love how people are spinning this as if they're looking out for the gamer.

mine was a joke if you didnt already know

Seeing as I don't buy alot of used games, this probably won't affect me. But I still think it's a dick move that will screw over consumers and retailers if Sony chooses to use this technology.

Even if Sony uses this, I'll still expect the massive amount of Sony fanboys trying to defend them for it.