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Beginning this September, some Sony games will contain "PSN Pass," a registration code that will be required for full online access. The first "pass enabled" game will be Resistance 3.
The PSN Pass will essentially lock some (or all) of a game's online content from anyone but the original purchaser, putting a huge dent into second-hand market sales as well as giving games to pals when you're finished with them. Presumably, you'll be able to purchase passes online for games, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.
Sony issued a statement on the PSN Pass, saying:
"We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities. This program will be game-specific. Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title. This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio."
Sony's statement isn't all that clear, and right now, they're not answering my specific questions on the Pass (IE: what online aspects of Resistance 3 will be available if you don't have the pass? what other games will feature PSN Pass? Will codes be available for purchase online?) So for right now, we have only that confirmation statement to go on.
It bears mentioning that this isn't the first instance of this kind of program being put in place by Sony. As 1up.com points out, PSP versions of ModNation Racers and SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo required a code for online use, and to buy an online code, second-hand gamers had to pay $14.99 and $19.99 respectively.
More details as we get them.
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Comments
Displaying 81–93 of 93
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Taboo5289
I am not sure how many people commenting understand business. Every time a used game is sold that is one less copy whose profits go to the publishing company also used games prevent stores from needing more which means they don't buy as many copies from the publishers which makes them and the developer less money, but feeds the pockets of the game store. Seeing as I happily buy all games new because I like supporting the companies that make them and I refuse to be a thieving pirate I find nothing wrong with this. How can we expect games to become cheaper if we pirate them or buy the games in a fashion where the money never makes it to the publisher and developer?
TheyTarget
Well, I like sharing my games with friends. Guess I'm now gonna have to buy games for xbox instead.
mrsappho
To be fair, one complaint I do have is how will this affect GAMEFLY subscribers?
macross2012
I bet money this never happens.. Once gamestop says NOPE not going to sell or carry your product again sony will back down. They said this with the original idea for the PS3 and no used games and Gamestop said NO!
Wont happen
Wozman23
Doesn't affect me. I'm buying R3 new day 1, as I do with a large portion of their 1st party titles, and all my games. I don't mind letting others who buy used fund making PSN better.
mrsappho
It makes sense, since devs. are not getting a piece of the money when it comes to second hand games. I'll admit I've done my fair share of abusing gamestop's return policy on used games lol. BTW Dead Space 2, and Mortal Kombat on both consoles also require an online pass, so it's nothing new.
Illuminate88
Putting "dents" like this will hurt the video games market as a whole. Publishers who opt for this type of scheming will see little to no gain in sales whereas public opinion and the number of people actively purchasing games will drop.
I actively avoid games with obscene anti-piracy measures and I'm adding games with obscene restrictions to their online functionality. It's very unfortunate that Fear 3 is one such game.
I honestly don't understand the belief that a used game sale is equal to a retail game sale that the publishers just lost out on. They already got all $60 dollars for the original retail sale of the game. That's where the game ends. I'm sorry publishers, making decisions like this is a lose-lose situation.
kidtendo
What? I don't get it... so some games that we purchase, we'll have to pay a SECOND price just to play it online? :(
crocodilius
You know what the funny thing is? A PC game called The Witcher2 just got rid of a piece of sh%t deal like that. (you used to need the code to patch your game)
Somehow I thought consoles were immune to this "code" crap.
With consoles is isn't the piracy, it's the re-sale they try to avoid because they don't get their cut.
I'm facepalming so hard I don't even have a point to make...
napkinshower
Damn! thats sort of unnecessary. but i guess it makes sense. vaguely though...
"ha all the best people are following"__
ha cute.
kenny52535
Yeah, gamestop's sales are going to PLUMMET after this. Yeah they'll still sell new games and such. But a majority of the games on shelves in store are used games O.O
lucidity
Nice money grab Sony, of all the console makers I guess Sony needs that money the most.
KazmaTheIceCreamMan
This is lame. My brother and I share a ps3, and now with this psn pass,only 1 account will be able to play those mulitplayer games.
Displaying 81–93 of 93
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