Sony PS3 Online Play Free For Original Game Purchaser Only?

[Pumpkin Head]

This one certainly goes in the rumor mill for now folks, but it comes from GAF, a source of many rumors that turn out true. Apparently Sony's online service will be free, but only for the person who purchased the game originally. For example, you buy game X and pop it in. You play to your heart's fill and get bored of it. You give or sell the game to a friend. Your friend pops in game X and tries to play online. Your friend gets a message like "sorry, this game already exists under GamerA's profile!" If this is true, and it certainly sounds plausible, Sony has certainly put a damper on the used game market.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118700

[cliffbo]

it was bound to happen... no worries...

[VG Aficionado]

That doesn't make much sense, I don't think it's true. Just because they say they're a source of rumours that turn out to be true in the end they don't become reliable to me all of a sudden (show me the rumours originated from you that were true before selling me a random rumour, please). What would people do with rented games? This looks like the previous debunked rumour about the impossibility to play pre-owned games.

[cliffbo]

That doesn't make much sense. I don't think it's true.

if the blu-ray registers a hidden code, then its very possible but unlikely in the short term... i think

[xbdestroya]

Just another GAF rumor - could be true, could not be true.

I'm a big fan of Panajeev personally though; he was once an active member of this forum and is on B3D as well.

That said, he's not saying whether he himself believes this rumor to be true or not - he's just conveying a message he received.

[woundingchaney]

If infact this is true it would definetely not be in the consumers better interests. No selling of games, no buying of used games no lending games or you can if you want to pay and additional fee.
This is coming right on the heels of more the patents releating to this.


I personally cant see this flying to well with the console consumers and its not something I would see Sony incorporating into their online strategy. Although, its not just Sony moving towards these sorts of regulations, it is infact the whole industry (hell pc gamers are already subject to it) Sony seems to be spearheading the movement though.

But at this point I just dont see this happening.

[Viper]

Well, they did submit that patent recently that would do exactly that (though it was speculated back then to completely render the game unplayable for second hand consumers).

[woundingchaney]

Well, they did submit that patent recently that would do exactly that (though it was speculated back then to completely render the game unplayable for second hand consumers).
Yeah thats the one I was referring to.

LOL got lost in thought.

[Siraris]

I highly doubt this would be the case. Of all things, why would they antagonize users from using their online service?

[cliffbo]

If infact this is true it would definetely not be in the consumers better interests. No selling of games, no buying of used games no lending games or you can if you want to pay and additional fee.
This is coming right on the heels of more the patents releating to this.



I personally cant see this flying to well with the console consumers and its not something I would see Sony incorporating into their online strategy. Although, its not just Sony moving towards these sorts of regulations, it is infact the whole industry (hell pc gamers are already subject to it) Sony seems to be spearheading the movement though.

But at this point I just dont see this happening.

How can Sony be spearheading this if its already on PCs?

[woundingchaney]

How can Sony be spearheading this if its already on PCs?
There is a large difference between pc and console gaming, particularly in the consumers. Sony is spearheading the effort for consoles, as they are making larger strides towards this than any other manufacturer to date (that I know of).

Of course this is merely speculation right now, it wouldnt be the first time a patent was recieved for something that never came to material use.

[xbdestroya]

This is definitely something of benefit for both Sony and developers both, so I'm not antagonistic to the idea that Sony may want to experiment with something like this. Free online is a clear benefit over paid online, and on that Sony may set forth the proposition. It's also something they could scale back from if they chose to at a later date.

Obviously the implementation of this would require that a unique serial or ROM-mark associated with a unique disc be associated at Sony with a players account (or perhaps with a players PS3?)

Anyway, again I don't think this is likely (or unlikely), simply that it would be a theory that seems to address Sony's goal of discouraging used game sales while not being overly harsh in nature.

[dnpmakkah]

1. This won't effect me too much. I do not buy used games anyway.
2. You can still play the games you just can't go online with them.
3. If true then I guess there won't be any PS3 games at Blockbuster huh?

[Gaul]

Maybe they think it will make them more money, because everyone wioll have to buy their own games instead of sharing them.

2. You can still play the games you just can't go online with them.
3. If true then I guess there won't be any PS3 games at Blockbuster huh?

You do realize these two points contradict each other?

[yoshaw]

I don't mind if this gets into effect. We know damn well how some hacker would come out with a breaking code, one way or another(think chips+mods :rolleyes), in the future. No need to feel threatened by it IMO.

;)

PS: BTW, to me it sounds like Sony making sure that recordable BDR's, whenever available en masse, don't replace Original PS3 games for value. If you know what I mean and especially after what's being heard about 360 game backups.

[woundingchaney]

This is definitely something of benefit for both Sony and developers both, so I'm not antagonistic to the idea that Sony may want to experiment with something like this. Free online is a clear benefit over paid online, and on that Sony may set forth the proposition. It's also something they could scale back from if they chose to at a later date.

Obviously the implementation of this would require that a unique serial or ROM-mark associated with a unique disc be associated at Sony with a players account (or perhaps with a players PS3?)

Anyway, again I don't think this is likely (or unlikely), simply that it would be a theory that seems to address Sony's goal of discouraging used game sales while not being overly harsh in nature.


Wouldnt this money be going to Sony and not developers??

Sure this could increase the sales of new games in a round about way by discouraging the purchase of used games, but Im not found of the responcibility being put back on the consumers.

I dont buy used games but I definetely take advantage of selling games to the local GS particularly when they have certain specials going on. I would definetely not like this messing with my resales (LOL).

[Marjoh]

If this is true (hopefully not), it would mean "premium" costumer [of PS3 online] doesn't have to worry about it, right? When I first got my PS2, my first dozen games were all purchased new. But then found I could get those same games for a lot less money use online (mint condition with all the original box and manual intact) or even trade. Paying the premium (presuming it's the same price as XBL) is cheaper considering all the saved money from used games and trades.

But still, I really hope this rumor is false.

[xbdestroya]

Wouldnt this money be going to Sony and not developers??

Well, let me get more specific I guess. When I say 'developers,' I meant publishers. What their breakout is with whatever dev house worked on the game is between them.

But no, this would definitely benefit publishers as much as it does Sony themselves. The used-games market hurts them all. But I agree, it's been a net benefit to the consumer.

I personally don't buy used games though, so this doesn't effect me either. I'm very much a 'wait til it hits $20' kind of guy on all but my most eagerly anticipated titles.

[RavenFox]

This doesnt pose a problem to me. Try the game and if you like it buy it. How many times I have been raped by gamestop in the past for used games. If you want to enjoy the benefits of [free] online then buy the intended game and support the devs.

[woundingchaney]

Well, let me get more specific I guess. When I say 'developers,' I meant publishers. What their breakout is with whatever dev house worked on the game is between them.

But no, this would definitely benefit publishers as much as it does Sony themselves. The used-games market hurts them all. But I agree, it's been a net benefit to the consumer.

I personally don't buy used games though, so this doesn't effect me either. I'm very much a 'wait til it hits $20' kind of guy on all but my most eagerly anticipated titles.


Yeah Im not arguing this of course publishers and Sony would profit, but as a consumer you must excuse me if Im not overly fond of the idea. :)

[Pumpkin Head]

I never buy used games so I personally won't get affected but I think it sounds like a better idea then what we discussed. And it makes more sense as it deals with the online component alone(and therefore Sony won't have issues with offline customers, and you can still access the games offline mode without paying that fee). I guess this also prevents everyone that has the console wired up online from using pirated software.

[dnpmakkah]

You do realize these two points contradict each other?:duh:...reading it again...WTF was I thinking.

[xbdestroya]

Yeah Im not arguing this of course publishers and Sony would profit, but as a consumer you must excuse me if Im not overly fond of the idea. :)

Well, but whether a dev sees a dime of that or not, better when their games sell more rather than less. ;)

They need to be able to negotiate future deals afterall!

Yeah, this generation of technology in general is going to see a struggle of sorts between the companies and the consumer.

[woundingchaney]

Well, but whether a dev sees a dime of that or not, better when their games sell more rather than less. ;).

I agree, but to be honest Im considerably more concerned with my bank account than game sales. :)

Yeah, this generation of technology in general is going to see a struggle of sorts between the companies and the consumer.
Agreed.

[Marjoh]

Again if true, perhaps Sony would offer a trial [online] for the new owner of the game. This way, even rented games is not much affected (though entering info on each rent games may be a bit unconvenient). Isn't that the point of renting games; try it and if you like it buy it. But buy it "new". LOL

.aZF

[EvilTaru]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118700

It's a GAF rumor. Heck, I can go to GAF tomorrow and make up some FUD and some "gaming news source" would take it and run with it without even doing any fact-checking.

[woundingchaney]

It's a GAF rumor. Heck, I can go to GAF tomorrow and make up some FUD and some "gaming news source" would take it and run with it without even doing any fact-checking.
Your right it is a rumor, although it is inline with some of the past and recent patents Sony has filed for.

Its quite possible that we see this, although at this point I agree a GAF post is a little weak.

Apparently Im going to have to visit this GAF place as all kinds of rumors and info stems from there. LOL

[EvilTaru]

Wouldnt this money be going to Sony and not developers??

Sure this could increase the sales of new games in a round about way by discouraging the purchase of used games, but Im not found of the responcibility being put back on the consumers.

I dont buy used games but I definetely take advantage of selling games to the local GS particularly when they have certain specials going on. I would definetely not like this messing with my resales (LOL).

More money going to Sony means more money potentially going towards future game development because they would be less cash-strapped. Neither sales of used games nor game rentals benefit publishers or the console maker.

[Pumpkin Head]

It's a GAF rumor. Heck, I can go to GAF tomorrow and make up some FUD and some "gaming news source" would take it and run with it without even doing any fact-checking.

I bet you would:shrug:

[woundingchaney]

More money going to Sony means more money potentially going towards future game development because they would be less cash-strapped. Neither sales of used games nor game rentals benefit publishers or the console maker.
Thats what I said.

Your right it benefits me as a consumer.

[xbdestroya]

It's a GAF rumor. Heck, I can go to GAF tomorrow and make up some FUD and some "gaming news source" would take it and run with it without even doing any fact-checking.

And your quote-style of increasing the size of the text is very GAF-style in and of itself, so I have no doubt you're familiar with the place indeed. ;)

But this discussion shouldn't be about whether this is true or not per se, because we just can't know right now. Rather, there's something worth discussing here, which is how would we feel about it if it were true?

[EvilTaru]

I bet you would:shrug:

Actually I wouldn't because clearly I don't like FUD and the idea that anyone can put it on the net without any real repercussion. The point is without ANY kind of official source, we're talking like this is already something that is potentially true.

[Matt]

As xbdestroya has just said, I think we should focus more on what we all think about the idea, rather than the reliability of the source.

[PUNK em 733]

Won't bother me, I buy all my games new.

[Pumpkin Head]

Actually I wouldn't because clearly I don't like FUD and the idea that anyone can put it on the net without any real repercussion. The point is without ANY kind of official source, we're talking like this is already something that is potentially true.
Rather it's true or not I really think it's worth discussing..which is how would we feel about this issue if it was true.

[Viper]

Try the game and if you like it buy it.
Return policies at all major retail will drasticaly change (at least for PS3 games) if this goes into effect. Either they'll be forced to cancel returns completely (ass sales final) or you'll get only a used game's worth of credit instead of full credit. Trade-ins for consoles won't fetch as much value either.

This would be a boon for PS3 exclusives but a potential nightmare for 3rd parties who will see more mulit-console gamers purchase a used X360 version or even new to ensure good value upon a return or trade in.

[SleazyBig slim]

I dont buy used games, and I don't rent games either. I'm the type of gamer that knows what I want, so I dont need to rent. This will not effect me. I will still trade in games for other new ones of'course.

[xbdestroya]

Return policies at all major retail will drasticaly change (at least for PS3 games) if this goes into effect. Either they'll be forced to cancel returns completely (ass sales final) or you'll get only a used game's worth of credit instead of full credit. Trade-ins for consoles won't fetch as much value either.

This would be a boon for PS3 exclusives but a potential nightmare for 3rd parties who will see more mulit-console gamers purchase a used X360 version or even new to ensure good value upon a return or trade in.

Well, I don't know of any game stores that allow anything other than an exchange for opened games at this point, but the multi-console purchases on another console to retain value might be an interesting dynamic that I see your angle on.

[Pumpkin Head]

Game sold new = I get money
Game sold used = I don't get money
Game sold used with online locked = the consumer has an incentive to try the game and possibly pay to unlock online player, meaning I might get some money

Anything that guts the current system where stores post record profits on continued resales - money that doesn't come back to the creators - is fine by me. Having CD-keys linked to online play isn't foreign on the PC side of things, and I'd love to see that carry over to the console market as well.I really like the the idea.

[woundingchaney]

Although if I buy a title and beat the game and then want to sell it the average return Im getting has been 30 USD, so I can swap out games for 20 - 30 dollars a pop. If Sony incorporates this the resale value is going to plummet (most likely) making my PS3 game buys only the premier titles.

Also for those of us that skip titles from time to time the easiest way to pick alot of these games up is in the used bin, now imagine combining 5-10 dollars on a used titles cost.


Also why would this be regulated to multiplayer, it could also be linked with downloadable content for the game. Infact Sony could be making money off of used PS3 games for years and years down the line as used titles are the only way to acquire an older game.

[yoshaw]

^Well if the game is single player heavy which 80% of the time is true given PS's record. You shouldn't have a problem(neither the retail chains) to sell it used or exchange it. But not sure how this is going to change with PS3. So I'm just going on with what we have today.

[xbdestroya]

Although if I buy a title and beat the game and then want to sell it the average return Im getting has been 30 USD, so I can swap out games for 20 - 30 dollars a pop. If Sony incorporates this the resale value is going to plummet (most likely) making my PS3 game buys only the premier titles.

Also for those of us that skip titles from time to time the easiest way to pick alot of these games up is in the used bin, now imagine combining 5-10 dollars on a used titles cost.

Yeah but Wounding this is because you flip games after like a month. ;)

Every time I have gone to try and sell a game, the offered price has been an utter joke, which is why I have never sold a game.

And on the flipside, I always find that the used games are like $5 cheaper than buying new. For that price, I rather just have the new.

Cosnumers do benefit from the used games market, but no one more than the retail chains. If there could be a sort of Craigslist set up for the used games market, that'd be the way to go. But what the retailers do, it's just wrong...

[woundingchaney]

I agree that retailers are in the wrong considering the market, but this is putting the responsibility on the consumers (for the most part).


Yeah I do play the hell out of some games dont I. (LOL)

[Infernal]

Well this wouldn't effect me. I never sell, rent, or buy used games but I don't think this move is something Sony can afford to make right now. They have gotten alot of bad press and this certainly wouldn't help and I am sure they know that as well as anybody. So why would they risk a move this big? They wouldn't.

[EvilTaru]

Yeah but Wounding this is because you flip games after like a month. ;)

Every time I have gone to try and sell a game, the offered price has been an utter joke, which is why I have never sold a game.

And on the flipside, I always find that the used games are like $5 cheaper than buying new. For that price, I rather just have the new.

Cosnumers do benefit from the used games market, but no one more than the retail chains. If there could be a sort of Craigslist set up for the used games market, that'd be the way to go. But what the retailers do, it's just wrong...

Yep, it's been six years since I sold a game back to a store (red faction and kengo), the kind of money stores now pay for used games even at near PERFECT condition (which is the condition most if not all of my 200+ current gen games are in, I don't handle games with greasy hands, I keep the dust off the discs using a squeeze-bulb camera lens blower, none of them has a single frickin' partial fingerprint on it) is CHUMP CHANGE, not even enough to buy a new game even if I trade in half-a-dozen of them, the notion of trading in games to buy a new one is a JOKE. I feel bad everytime someone tries to sell back their games at a store and they're getting like a few bucks for each of them, sometimes a few bucks for ALL of them.

Pretty much places like EB are the ones taking in the HUGE cut between what they pay to bring in the used games and the price at which the used games are sold at. I wish someday the industry would put a stop to this. I don't believe the used games market really help game publishers at all, and ultimately game publishers are the ones who are funding game development, if anything they can re-release these games at budget prices later on to restimulate game sales, and stores actually try to pursuade people to buy games used rather than new, and also nothing really stops game stores from selling unsold stock at bargain bin prices for people to pick up games they can afford later on. People trading in a bunch of used games just to buy another couple of used games aren't helping either the publishers or the developers to be honest. So what if these guys are playing the games? None of that money goes towards either the publishers or the developers.:grouphug:

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Yeah there's this sign outside gamestops and EBs, 'trade in 2 xbox 360 games and get one for only 9.99!!" and I'm like, what a rip off. If I payed 60 dollars for this game, why can't I just get another one in exchange? Someone would have to pay 10 dollars, after they gave them 2 used games, to trade for 1 game? Bulllhonkey.

[venomv]

I think they should be forced somehow to give a cut of a used game sale to the publishers/console manufactorers, that would solve a lot of problems.

[woundingchaney]

Yeah there's this sign outside gamestops and EBs, 'trade in 2 xbox 360 games and get one for only 9.99!!" and I'm like, what a rip off. If I payed 60 dollars for this game, why can't I just get another one in exchange? Someone would have to pay 10 dollars, after they gave them 2 used games, to trade for 1 game? Bulllhonkey.
It depends on how you want to look at the situation. For the most part games dont increase in value. A game to me represents momentary entertainment, once that ends my interest or entertainment with the game ends. So Im trading 2 things of little value to me (as Im not a collector) for another 10-40 hours of entertainment. I view games as an experience not as a material possesion.

Although of course there are some titles I will keep and play for years, those are primarily the ones that either have extraordinary single player modes or extremely entertaining and robust online multiplayer modes.

[EvilTaru]

I think they should be forced somehow to give a cut of a used game sale to the publishers/console manufactorers, that would solve a lot of problems.

If it was possible I think they would have tried it.

[venomv]

I think they have tried.......But I said forced somehow, it would take a court ruling for sure, and I don't see that happening, espicially in the international scale.

[ded5850]

I personally don't like the idea of any stategy that sets apart Sonay from the competition in a potentially negative way. Though this isn't necisarily a big ditterent for Sony, it seems they have enough of those already what with the price and all, so I don't see the need for another.

However, personally, like many before have stated, I buy my games new. Not that I have anything against used games. I just don't buy games very often to begin with, and I just never caught on to the idea that I could buy all these games used(silly me. I know). I typically rent games for the most part, so something like this would have an effect on me personally (having to pay to go online anytime I rent a game? WTF!?!) but hey, sometimes the world isn't fair, ya know?

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I like to support good games, so I'll buy it as soon as it comes out of I have the loot. I rarely buy used games, cuz I rarely buy average games.

[KnightRiderX]

Although if I buy a title and beat the game and then want to sell it the average return Im getting has been 30 USD, so I can swap out games for 20 - 30 dollars a pop. If Sony incorporates this the resale value is going to plummet (most likely) making my PS3 game buys only the premier titles.

Also for those of us that skip titles from time to time the easiest way to pick alot of these games up is in the used bin, now imagine combining 5-10 dollars on a used titles cost.


But isn't this a good thing. If u and ppl were to start skipping the mediocre games and go for the good ones, then this will create a trend of only the good games selling much much better than the mediocre games and cause the developers and publishers to start making better games. And with the added income from this thing that Sony is trying to implement, developing will be much easier. In the end, it is only going to better the industry.

[Viper]

Sorry, KnightRiderX, it's not as simple as only buying the good games. The financial dynamics of the game industry almost require cheap B rated games to help offset the expensive costs of AAA titles that don't make their money back. Amortizing the costs from the AAA's to the profits made by the cheapo B's.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

A few B games are good every now and then. Not every game I play blows my mind, but is a good, solid, fun game. Sometimes you just like experiencing a new universe and new characters, different stories, regardless of the game not breaking paradigms or pushing envelopes.

[Sephiroth_VII]

This (http://www.neogaf.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=32) should explain.

[DC_613]

Sounds like PC games and software like Office and XP n stuff.............. no biggy.

[kaphwan]

What annoys me, is that consumers tend to think that Sony, and other developers, owe them breathtaking graphics and brilliant gameplay, but are so eager to throw a fit at the idea of (heaven forbid) being forced to pay full price for their games.

Devs have to eat too, you know?

[chrismt]

I think a neat idea if this rumor turns out to be true would be to have the person renting the game pay $2.50 directly to Sony for six months of online play with the game they rented and want to unlock. If they bought the game, perhaps they could issue a $2.50 rebate to the consumer with a coupon the consumer printed out that can be presented to the store.

I don't mind if they cut it off completely though, I don't play much online.