How Sony Just Patented its Own Downfall

How this could be the first step downhill for the Playstation 4.

Sony has always held a grudge against used games, even back before the launch of the Playstation 3 but it never went through. This time though, they're actually doing it. A patent that would inevitably bring the Playstation 4 down to its knees was filed back in September 2012.

what if my Playstation 4 broke and I had to replace it with another console, what then? Would that RFID chip be able to tell that? I doubt it.

[GribbleGrunger]

When has Sony expressed their 'grudge' against the second hand market? That's quite the emotive word. This is just fanciful thinking to lay the foundations for this premature and questionable assumption. I DO recall developers talking about it extensively in the past and I do recall both MS and Sony offering them an olive branch by allowing online passes.

This approach gives it away:

'what if my Playstation 4 broke and I had to replace it with another console, what then? Would that RFID chip be able to tell that? I doubt it.'

First the writer puts a proposition forward as a question, but the only reason is so that he can then end it with 'I doubt it.' Thus placing a falsehood into the readers head in order to maximise the effect.

It's something a schoolboy would do:

'Are you saying my mother is ugly? Wait til I tell my father.'

A reaction created from a false proposition in order to trap the reader into thinking exactly how the writer wants them to.

[RamsesNum1]

They tried to do the same thing before the PS3 was launched. They attempted to license all their games. Meaning when your purchase a ps3 game, you would be purchasing the license only to play the game. The disc and the software still belongs to Sony and are not yours to sell.

Source: http://kotaku.com/176131/no...

The author is expressing his opinion. You are free to interpret it as you see fit. It's still an interesting thought though. However, you seem pretty convinced that this is not the case. He was simply asking what would happen if the console broke. There was no ulterior motive there.

[GribbleGrunger]

Am I convinced it's not the case or have you assumed I meant that? False proposition = wrong response.

If they do this (and I'm doubtful, but not entirely) then they would certainly have a way of allowing you to change your PS4 ... that's the point I'm making. The author has deliberately but forward a scenario as if it's the truth in order to inflame the debate.

As the sensible amongst us have pointed out in numerous articles on this very subject, patents are not always used. Sony could be just covering their bases for any big changes to the market later on, when other companies want to do the same thing.

And the article you posted up actually proves that Sony doesn't always implement what they patent. Don't be drawn in by this debate. Think clearly; think rationally and above all else, WAIT and see.

edit: But, RamsesNum1, the proposition is pure fiction:

'what if my Playstation 4 broke and I had to replace it with another console, what then? Would that RFID chip be able to tell that? I doubt it.'

We know nothing about how it would work, if indeed it WAS used, but the author has made that damned scenario up for sensationalism. I'm all for debating the pros and cons of such a patent, but I can't engage in something that is pure fantasy. If he'd have not written that last sentence: 'I doubt it' then perhaps, and only perhaps, I would have been more forgiving.

[RamsesNum1]

Its just what he thinks could happen. Plus, you can never be too sure. For all we know, this is all could be false. Thats the point here, raising unsure questions about unsure topics. It's an opinion piece.

That could be the case as well, who knows? It does seem like a pretty good way to stack up that extra cash. This is a corporation after all.

This patent scenario could go in a variety of different ways, this is just the direction he thinks it could go in.

[InMyOpinion]

"This is a corporation after all."

To some of us it's more like family.

[creatchee]

@InMyOpinion

To you, you're family.

To Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, we're numbers.

[Anon1974]

That's been my point the past few days as well as media outlets seem to be losing their mind over this. We've seen this exact scenario before with the PS3.

Sony has had patents for this type of tech since back in 2000, and from time to time they've patented variations of this system but despite owning patents on this for over a decade we've never seen these patents implemented into a game system. Why would we see it now?

[MikeMyers]

GribbleGrunger;
"When has Sony expressed their 'grudge' against the second hand market? That's quite the emotive word. This is just fanciful thinking to lay the foundations for this premature and questionable assumption. I DO recall developers talking about it extensively in the past and I do recall both MS and Sony offering them an olive branch by allowing online passes. "

Isn't it just Sony who now has online passes for their own games? Not sure if any games published by Nintendo or Microsoft do.

RamsesNum1
"He was simply asking what would happen if the console broke. There was no ulterior motive there."

Apparently Wii U owners face difficulties in this area. Transferring content and history has been an issue in the past for many who own various systems that have either upgraded or had their system break.

People are right to question the header topics. Many are created for the sake of getting hits, we all know that. However one must take their emotions in check and actually be open to the discussion and not immediately react and say "here we go again, the media hates Sony." I don't see Sony going solo on this but then again they have done some pretty interesting things in the past.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[TheGamerDood]

All Sony has to do is go the digital distribution route and that'll help curb a good portion of used game sales just like it did on PC but they also have to be flexible with pricing similar to what Valve/Steam have done.

[blackbeld]

This patent "update" makes me nervous to buy a PS4.

Why Sony release this patent "update" for show now? Why not show us 2 or 3 years ago?

Sony should give us answers right now! I for sure will not buy PS4 of they really pull this off!

[kariyanine]

@TheGamerDood sure going digital would help curb sales but since most console sales are still coming from the retail space if they go down this road they are asking for trouble. They are going to have to walk a very fine line with all approaches to curbing used sales so as not to offend their users or their sales partners.

[Kevin ButIer]

Stop bashing Sony... the whole industry is looking forward to this change. Don't get surprised if it doesn't even have backward compatibility, they want to maximize digital distribution sales.

[TheGamerDood]

@kariyanine

This outrage didn't take place with PC gamers and I suspect it won't with console gamers either. All you have to do is offer up a good service along with a fair price and you'll get that customer loyalty that all corporations pray for.

[MikeMyers]

"All you have to do is offer up a good service along with a fair price and you'll get that customer loyalty that all corporations pray for."

Easier said than done. Microsoft for example does not currently sell games at launch for their games on demand store. The discount games on SEN are closer to what the prices are on Steam but that is if you have a Plus membership. Nintendo? Who knows but they used to be behind the curve ball by quite a bit before. Haven't used the new service yet.

The problem with consoles is they charge extra for royalties. They also have more restrictions than we see on the PC. If you use OnLive the games are already patched and updated and ready to go. Sony has a lot of work ahead of them if they ever want a online store as quick and as friendly as something like Steam.

[kariyanine]

@TheGamerDood but you are talking about two very different cultures. The problem stems from the majority of console sales still coming from retail though. PC was able to go that route because the people that played PC games were better equipped to do so. That’s not wholly the case with console gamers. Unless Sony is willing to take a hit on the amount of units they sell they can’t afford to bypass retail the same way as the PC industry did. Also you have to remember that most retailers make little to no money selling hardware in their stores and they afford shelf space for that hardware because they can make money off of software sales (both new and used), if you take that away or make the retail portion less needed then where is the retail incentive to actually stock your hardware? Its not just an easy fix of, go digital and all the pain goes away. Digital may solve some issues but it opens up other ones that are potentially worse for their business model.

[Hicken]

@MikeMyers

Nintendo's first party, online offerings were a little too slim to implement such a thing on the Wii. And as for Microsoft, what do you think Live's fee is?

Now, I'm not really defending it, because I hate it, quite honestly. But you almost make it sound like Sony's doing so much worse than the others. Glad that- so far- Nintendo hasn't implemented any such thing.

As for the subject at hand, it won't happen. Hell, how many patents does Apple have that they don't bother to use... except to sue somebody? Not saying Sony filed this patent just so they could sue if somebody else tried to use this technology, but it's not an impossibility.

This isn't the first time, after all. Why didn't they use it before? What else have they patented that they have't used?

Sensationalism at its finest. Not bothering to read any more such articles, or even the comments. Simply gonna vote article and site down.

[NotSoSilentBob]

You already don't own the games. If you read the EULA for each game you pay a 1 time rental fee that can't be transferred. THAT IS FOR EVERY BIT OF SOFTWARE.

[pixelsword]

It's just a patent, so I'm not worried; but be not deceived: if that is the future, then it's a no-buy.

[MikeMyers]

kariyanine, all 3 of them still rely a lot on retailers. Right now they seem to have a mutual understanding about pricing which is likely why the digital price is the same as the retail price. Services like Steam get around that by working directly with the publishers and not charging the same royalties. Companies like Sony are in a rather predicament because they need retailers still to sell games and hardware. They also don't want to neglect all the customers out there who don't have online access. A year ago Steam crossed 40 million users and their model can sustain itself. By cutting out retailers and the middle men they can afford to be more price competitive.

If Sony does decide this is the route to go there will definitely be a backlash from consumers who have chosen to support the console model. I don't expect prices to go down so what exactly is in it for the consumer to support this patent? Steam prices make up for the lack of freedom that physical games provide.

Hicken, I haven't played on the Wii U but I have on the Wii and it was definitely light years behind Sony's. I elaborated more about Sony because that is what this article is about. Sony is not by far the worse but they could improve nonetheless. They are also very supportive of the online pass that I think EA brought to us. I'm not sure if Nintendo or Microsoft have adopted that for their own published games or not. I haven't seen any.

Patents are filed all the time. Some come to fruition some don't. I just don't see this one happening. Why would the PS4 adopt their own system to block used games? It doesn't make any sense if nobody else is.

[rainslacker]

Given the extreme backlash from the gaming community as a whole over just the thought of it, it's obvious that the market isn't ready for this. This backlash isn't even an N4G thing, but is on Sony's forums, as well as several major gaming sites getting a lot of heat.

Some may argue that us gamers make up a small part of the overall market, but come console release time, we are the ones that they rely on, and they know this. Just look at the Wii U's launch line up...they know where the first buyers are.

[Godchild1020]

If they go through with something like this, I think it would be tied to the account and not the system. Similar to the way the disc for PSASBR and R&C works; They require an internet connection to apply the game to your account to download the PSV versions. It's a long shot, but I think this is the route they might go.

I don't like it, because not everyone has a video game console hooked up to the internet. I hope they don't go through with it and stick to online passes.

[Joe913]

You are correct the patent says the RFID chip is tied to your psn account so if you get a new Ps4 as long as you use the same account you should be ok. I don't care if they do this I’m sure they will use this for hackers if you put in an illegal copy of the game the system will know about it. But even if that is not the case still don't matter developers who been begging for this is the ones going to get hurt because if I buy a game and know I can't trade it in or even give it away then I will be very careful what games I buy and the games I buy will be very limited so that means less game sells. Just like downloadable games you will not spend 59.99 on a game to test it out and if you don’t like it all you can do is delete it. Plus I don't like game stop (that is the only place around me that sells used games) they screw gamers over giving 3 to 4 bucks for a game then sell it for 50.

[irepbtown]

Then wouldn't there be a problem with using the same account on multiple consoles?

If I'm correct, it use to be 5 or so, now it's only 2 (for the PS3). Assume they use the same for the PS4 (which they most likely will) if the ps4 breaks twice, would it be possible to use the same account on a third console?

I personally think they won't go ahead with this. Maybe in the far future, but as far as the PS4 goes, I think Sony would be wise to allow used games.

Btw: I hate online passes, but if it's that or no used games I'll stick with the online passes.

[Christopher]

***Then wouldn't there be a problem with using the same account on multiple consoles? ***

No. Only digitally downloaded and signed games are limited in this manner to prevent people from downloading multiple copies of the game at once, thereby limiting digital sales.

This would be unlimited and tied directly to the PSN ID (technically now called SEN ID).

This also means that you could sell your games, but you'd also have to sell your Network ID with the games.

[CrimsonSquall]

@irepbtown, there is a system in place where u can deactivate ALL accts. Disclaimer is once every 6 months, but its effective as my 40gb just died and my friend is gamesharing with me so I was basically screwed had there not been that option

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

If sony does this then no buy. But I can't switch to a console that has limited support so I would stay with pc only.

[Malice-Flare]

not with Windows 8 you wont... XD

[tachy0n]

@Rinkuchal

PC gamers are not limited like consoles gamers, we can go back to windows XP, go to Linux or stay in windows 7 if we want.... heck we can even go and try OS X...

[kane_1371]

@Rinkuchal
Gabe Newell just pulled another PS3 case with Windows 8 (bashing and then reconciling)

I'm using Windows 8 as of November and it is superb, very fast and easy and it is pretty much Windows 7 re-skined and faster.

[Christopher]

***I'm using Windows 8 as of November and it is superb, very fast and easy and it is pretty much Windows 7 re-skined and faster.***

Windows 8 isn't faster. It's just prioritized programming for Metro UI elements. People are being led to believe it's faster when it's just as fast as Windows 7 with a fancy start menu.

[Temporary]

wouldn't prioritizing programming be necessary in order to make an OS more effective? Speedier, more efficient.

[Christopher]

***wouldn't prioritizing programming be necessary in order to make an OS more effective? Speedier, more efficient.***

No, faster would mean that it processes everything faster. Prioritizing means they decide to handle A before B, C, and D. It's the same speed, just they decide who gets handled first and who gets handled last.

Example: If you have Win8 installed, start it up. Metro UI will pop up pretty fast. That's because it's prioritized. Now, hit the window key and watch the desktop bar on the bottom right. Notice that the majority of the same things you waited to load when you had Win7 or before are taking just as long to load now. Your AntiVirus doesn't load immediately like MetroUI, nor do other start-up applications you have.

Metro UI is taking the start menu and giving it its own custom overlay page and prioritizing the display of that ahead of all third-party start-up applications. It doesn't mean the OS is faster, it just means they give it the appearance of being faster by creating the start page, much how you used to access the start menu while other start-up programs were loading.

[Pocketaces111]

repeat by mistake

[Pocketaces111]

repeat by mistake

[Pocketaces111]

It's an F'in patent people they have not implemented it. Do you boneheads not know how many patents Sony Microsoft, Google, blackberry etc have. If they didn't patent it someone else would who cares they will not put it into their systems as it would kill them. Stop with all the BS

sorry fot the multiple something happened on my system

[calis]

Bubbles for being one of the few rational people.
It's a patent. It's an idea.

They would have thousands of these. As would Microsoft, Nintendo, Google, Apple, Samsung etc.

The overreaction to this is simply amazing. Typical pathetic gaming "journalism".

[DOMination-]

You are right but the fact they are patenting this and its not the first time btw means they must be thinking about implementing it on ps4.

I'm not saying it will happen but this is clearly a sign that sony are toying with the idea

[calis]

They'll all be toying with the idea.

That's why it's an idea.

[IAmLee]

These articles are shit.

Everyday the front page is littered with one of these things. It's not news, its an opinion based thing.

[freezola75]

Par Excellence Grunger!!!

[PopRocks359]

"When has Sony expressed their 'grudge' against the second hand market?"

Well, they haven't. But they did put online passes into Twisted Metal, so it seems they're not entirely against the idea of combating the used game market.

Honestly, I doubt Sony would do something like this. But who knows? The industry changes all the time. I've been told that Sony makes patents like these all the time and until they actually implement them, I don't see myself passing any sort of judgement.

As for the author of this article? Eh. Sounds like fear mongering and more "doom/gloom" to me. A lot of that goes around on this site it seems.

[Gamer1982]

How its going to work is its going to license it with your PSN. So changing your console wouldnt change a damn thing. It wont link to your console. They already use this technology with a couple of games like PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. You can see the technology and how it works with that game. You get a free Vita version that's locked to YOUR PSN. You can trade the game in but when somebody buys that disc they cannot get the free Vita game if you have already registered it.

So we have already seen it work and Sony have got no negative feedback from this "test". I personally have no issues with it as I buy all my games these days digitally off STEAM on my PC and will probably pick up a PS4 on launch if it has a good lineup. Trade-in market is pretty dead anyway with the crappy amounts you get for your games..

[rainslacker]

They aren't using the technology specifically stated in this patent. The Blu-Ray spec allows for an individual identifiers on each disc (kind of like a serial number), which can then be used similar to an online pass. It requires an online connection, and that code is uploaded to the server to unlock your game.

This particular patent uses an RF chip, and the system signs that chip with your account details, or any other information it may need to do whatever they want with it. It also means that it can be used without a internet connection.

I don't believe the PS3 has the built in technology to sign the RF chip being talked about, as it requires a special transceiver to actually do that.

[WharenPeace]

The one thing I'm not looking forward to is every Sarah Wannabe Gaming Journalist and Tim Blogs ranting and raving about features that we probably won't even see at release. For the last time, filing a patent does not mean that it will become a feature. Nintendo has been toying with the idea of console-locked games since the 80s and 90s. Microsoft was also rumoured to be interested in locking purchased games to consoles.

I'm really not looking forward to another year of Sony Doom and Gloom as two bit websites like the one above tries desperately to get people to visit their stinking blogs. This last gen was particularly bad, but to see a rinse and repeat going into another gaming gen is just too much. I'm getting fed up.

[Mounce]

What I find funny is how the article claims that because Sony made a patent, that it means they're going to use it without question.

Do these fucktards who make idiotic articles like this realize that Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, ANY fucking gaming company and electronics company, make patents to a LOT of fucking things for future-use or just for the sake of 'claiming' things relating to it.....

This article is clearly aiming for hits, but I always want to point out the flaws and retardation about them.

Sony patented their downfall? That's not clever, it's just begging to be ripped apart by the authors ignorance and stupidity. Sony has thousands of patents, of those patents, it's not like each and everyone of them are what people would 100% agree with, and not all of them are even used.

And what kind of site is at7addak.com? Seriously?

[lfclee]

That's one lousy assumption! All of a sudden your the journo and he's the gamer?

[ChronoJoe]

With a digitally distributed / cloud based future. I can't imagine any restrictions placed on physical media are going to have much significance going forward.

I expect many publishers will opt out of retail / physical releases next gen.

[boybato]

This is madness Sony.

[Rush]

Sony:

[slaton24]

not just sony, at the beginning of last year microsoft was planning the same thing dont believe me look it up... yes if they do this it will hurt some people and by that i mean people who work at gaming stores and gamefly...but prices do drop quicker than they use to and the only bad thing is not being able to borrow a game from a friend or family member to see if you like it....all it is about to people these days is money...greedy dirt bags

[Old McGroin]

"not just sony, at the beginning of last year microsoft was planning the same thing dont believe me look it up"

Post a link to prove it. I know Kotaku had an article back in January last year about it but they called it a rumour from an unnamed source, no proof or patents pending so to say Microsoft were planning the same thing is not true.

http://kotaku.com/5879202/s...

[slaton24]

http://www.slashgear.com/pl...

http://www.nypost.com/p/new...

here you go old mcGroin(dumb name)and you no something microsoft has it on pc with codes it could happen just as easily on the next xbox as well its not just sony....i love all games i love to share with friends and family and i believe it could destroy some of the gaming community and also your link tells us that microsoft will be adding tech which has not been confirmed

[Blackdeath_663]

i think its just to prevent other companies from doing so. if sony does block second hand games then it will be suicide and even though i am fond of sony products i hope the ps4 fails miserably in every respect because if it does succeed then other companies will follow suit and the gaming industry will be shit.

[Godchild1020]

I wouldn't want a company to fail, but I understand where you are coming from. This would hurt the sales of new games, because not everyone uses cash or credit cards, they used store credit from the games they have completed and traded in to Gamestop, Best Buy or Amazon, etc...

[Blackdeath_663]

if sony really wanted to prevent second hand games the easiest way to do so without loss is digital downloads like steam on pc but both companies need a massive improvement to their online services

[BanBrother]

@Blackdeath_663

Why would Sony patent this so that no-one else could use it?? I find that hard to believe. If Microsoft or Nintendo did this, they would commit suicide and give Sony more sales.

I doubt this will go ahead. Most likely the big boys (MS,Sony and Ninty) will eventually all meet up, and all sign a deal to implement some form of restricting used games. That way, they all benefit.

We have seen oil companies and banks use this method. If all of them do this, there is no other competition (at least yet), and so they can only gain.

I doubt we will be seeing it next gen though.

[iamnsuperman]

" Most likely the big boys (MS,Sony and Ninty) will eventually all meet up, and all sign a deal to implement some form of restricting used games. That way, they all benefit. "

That is the only way this system will ever be introduced. What Sony is doing is holding all the cards for when that day comes. They have the patented technology to do so. People are idiotic to think they would implement this on their own. Sony has been around for a while. They are not dumb.

[caseh]

My best guess is they have patented this idea as it is currently seen as the best way to avoid pre-owned games being used. Whether or not they use it is another matter.

If any other companies decide to go the same route, Sony will suck up the royalties on every single system produced using their patented tech. Its probably as straight forward as that.

[Blackdeath_663]

agreed its called game theory and it worked with cigarette advertisement in which all companies benefited. but nintentdo has already released its console without 2nd hand game block and its will be extremely difficult for all companies to cooperate because both MS and Nintendo will have to pay sony because of this patent and i don't think they would want to pay their opposition. now do you see how it will prevent it?

[Daavpuke]

I don't believe Sony "holds a grudge" against used sales; more than any other console does. If they did, they wouldn't set up exclusive deals with notorious second hand retailers.

That said, I think the patent is more so to pass the buck to other companies. Like they did by providing the freedom to region lock games, but not enforce it on PS3; this will fall back on a company's decency and we all know how decent they feel about used sales (online passes anyone?). So far, only Atlus was scummy enough to apply region locking to a PS3 game, so let's hope the next gen stays mostly classy as well.

[modrats]

At least Sony doesn't charge you to play online. $50 bucks a year on the 360 plus online passes! If you had a business making games and there was a store taking your used game in on trade for $18 and reselling it for $54.99 making a cool $37 bucks on the deal, you would be a little upset. Especially when your cost to make the game is probably in the $35-40 per unit and the store pays you $10 bucks more to shelf it. Simple business man...

[SnakeCQC]

for me this depends on how much their digital games will cost. If they continue their method of jacking up their games by insane amnounts i dont think i will pick up the ps4 for some time after its release.

[Dannehkins]

It's probably just Sony trying to give its game publishing partners what they want. EA for instance has clearly shown a dislike for the used game market.

This is not just Sony. Whether there was a patent or not, game publishers would find a way of crippling the used game market whether it be with online play codes or removing content.

That's the unfortunate side of it all.

[TongkatAli]

I never ever ever buy games used. How the F would this affect me ?

[BX81]

Then we are to assume you don't borrow or let friends borrow games either, correct?

[TongkatAli]

Nope. We go over each others houses and play what we have. I have a lot of games i haven't finished and i'm going to borrow my friends games ?

[BX81]

We don't know how many games you own, that's why I asked. Those scenarios would be the only other ways I could see it effecting you. You asked and I did as well.

[wenaldy]

Me either, i'll just wait till the price drops..

Btw, awesome username lol

[Run_bare]

What if the console broken, I have mine replace once and then sold my old PS3 to get a new version.

What if I choose to buy 2, upstairs and downstairs?

I don't like contemplating "What If" scenario, I just wait until SONY announce it and make my decision, in the meantime I keep on playing.

[rainslacker]

What if there was an older game you wanted to pick up, but was no longer in distribution channels? This would simply inflate the price of new games after they have passed their initial retail shelf life, as it's the only version of the game that would actually work.

If your a collector, like me, then this is a really bad thing, as it means that games you may look for in the future simply won't be available at reasonable prices. Think of one of your favorite games that isn't one of the big hits of the past few years, one that came out maybe 3+ years ago. Then go see how easy it is to find new. Even the 1st Uncharted is no longer distributed. It has a dual pack release, but how many games actually get re-released?

I'm also going to assume that you don't trade in your games. For people that do it means they won't be able to do that anymore.

[mushroomwig]

It's almost like people don't fully understand how patents can work. Instead of creating a silly article designed to panic people and attract attention, how about you acknowledge the fact that Sony may have only created this patent so other consoles WOULDN'T have such a horrible feature.

[MrBeatdown]

I doubt their intentions are quite that noble. I don't see them implementing it though. I think this is just a case of a them securing yet another patent just to have it should they want to use it.

Companies and patents are like squirrels and nuts. If every company used every idea they patented, this is what the PS4 would have for features...

- No used games
- "Pew pew pew" tech
- A giant emotional teddy bear
- DNA tracking
- In-game advertising
- Tongue control
- A robot

Seriously. People need to look into all the weird crap that gets patented. Google "Sony sce patent" and look through the first few pages.

And of course, it's funny that this article acts like this patent confirms Sony will use it in the PS4, but Sony had a similar patent as far back as 2005...

http://www.joystiq.com/2005...

[BlaqMagiq24]

Patents don't mean they'll follow through with this it just means the "idea" belongs to them. I hope they don't follow through with it because it would be suicide to do so.

[sjaakiejj]

It's a patent, not a product. All it does is prevent others from using the technique. It doesn't mean that Sony will use it. Most companies own countless patents on ideas that are never realized.

[ceballos77mx]

If they go this way hopefully its account locked, not system because this is a good point, imagine if they did this on this gen, both Ms and Sony with all those machine failures.

And also what happens when eventually the ps5 arrives what are we supposed to do with those games that we are not playing anymore?.

[Zechs34]

So it begins!

PS4 is tha do0mz!!

These sites are ridiculous. Making these foolish assumptions based on simple patents.

Not a good start to the gaming year with these so called journalist still writing like if we were in 2006.

[Yourworstenemy]

If they were any good they wouldn't be stuck submitting tripe on here! hahaha

[Zechs34]

I feel confident in your answer!

you get...

TWO THUMBS UP!

:)

[SteveQuinn]

Is this for real, if so where is the source for the claims you are making?

[Yourworstenemy]

The source is another n4g 'article' that she's just copied!

[randpropaganda]

"They tried to do the same thing before the PS3 was launched. They attempted to license all their games. Meaning when your purchase a ps3 game, you would be purchasing the license only to play the game. The disc and the software still belongs to Sony and are not yours to sell.

Source: http://kotaku.com/176131/no

The author is expressing his opinion. You are free to interpret it as you see fit. It's still an interesting thought though. However, you seem pretty convinced that this is not the case. He was simply asking what would happen if the console broke. There was no ulterior motive there.

[fOrlOnhOpe57]

Undermining Sony as per usual. Why not just wait for the FACTS then decide whether to invest in the PS4.

[blackbirdi]

won't buy that shit ... sony is more greedier then ever ...i remember when playstation first come out they love their fan base after the playstation 2 i had that feeling that sony don't give a shit to their loyal supporters ... i really regret that i bought vita the first day !!

[hobohunterz]

Hmm wont buy it but its not even announced yet, get real stop crying

[Riderz1337]

People patent things all the time, doesn't mean they actually go through with it.

[o-Sunny-o]

I always thought "what if we could trade in our downloaded games to credit on the network." I see how it wouldn't be good enough for people who like packaged copies. I like real copies and some downloads so right now its good where it is now.
P.S. I still hate online passes but don't rid us our freedom.

[krisq]

The patent, using NFC and RFID tags on discs is ingenious. Opens a lot of cool possibilities. Sooner or later someone would have the same idea and would patent it too.

[Yourworstenemy]

Lots of companies (even Microsoft*gasp*) patent 1000s of things that never even see the light of day!!

[OC_MurphysLaw]

The Irony of this is I am not sure if they implemented this system that it would really impact Sony all that much given the directions they are headed.

Hell people screamed loud that MS charging for online play was going to be their downfall once Sony announce PSN play would be free and we now know that really didn't matter in the grand scheme.

I think this is a lot of "internet fear" over nothing to be quite honest.

[Npugz7]

Sony just F%cked up!!

[wishingW3L]

how? The PS4 is not even out yet and nobody knows if this patent will be put to use or not.

[Tzuno]

I don't give a fk about them they see numbers when they look at us. So why to care?

[LNDCalling]

Calm down folk... t'is just a patent, one of many and most probably one that won’t be implemented, and even if it is, we don't know how!

Despite myself, on occasions, buying used, I understand the damage that does to the industry and I don’t blame them for wanting it to be this way. Other platforms, especially now cloud / online games are at the forefront (I’ll include Steam as it’s still tied to your account – at the moment!) preclude second hand sales!

If you can’t afford to buy new games then don't, but it’s what the majority of us have had to do or now do (see IOS / Android) so either go get a job and man-up or be more careful about what you buy and where you spend your money!

A man buys a game and lends it or re-sells it to 1,000 other people who would had to otherwise buy the game full RP.. 1 sale to developers 1,001 players.. < This is why developers are pissed! Granted only 250 of them may have gone on to buy it at full RP but that would still equate to a 25% increase in profits in the hands of developers.

Peace out and a Happy New Year to you all!

[LNDCalling]

Btw it'd still be a 25% increase in developers hands if it got leant or re-sold to only 4 people and only 1 would have gone on to buy it at full RP / New #ForTheNumericallyChallenged

[wishingW3L]

what you guy don't realize is that Sony's our savior. Since they now own the patent to restrict used games on consoles now if MS or other company wants to do something similar they'll need to pay money to Sony and instead of doing that they will not block used games.

And don't judge me! I'm just saying, you know... Does this sounds like a good spin? XD

[LNDCalling]

I partly agree though it wouldn't stop anyone else doing it, it would only stop them doing it the way Sony have patented it, and then only if the patent is accepted!

[izumo_lee]

It's just a freakin patent people. Until Sony ACTUALLY implements this (mind you it has to be APPROVED first) all of this "news" is nothing but speculation from paranoid journalists looking to generate hit inducing articles.

Also it isn't just Sony that are concerned about the used game market. Many other publishers like EA (who has publically voiced their displeasure about the market) may find this patent intriguing. If there is enough support by publishers than things will get ugly but of course all the blame will fall on Sony.

So relax. Until we get definitive word from Sony themselves that this will go through. Calm down, take a deep breath & stop jumping to conclusions.

[rainslacker]

I think your right. Your argument brings up an interesting scenario though. Would Sony side with a big publisher to keep them, or look out for their own interest and the consumer.

Keeping a big publisher is generally a must, but would Sony be willing to take that blame on their behalf? I'm sure Sony would much prefer people to buy new, but even Jack Tretton see's the benefit of the used market. They know that a move like this would be really bad for the consumer, and they may end up losing a lot of customers over it. I understand that Sony wants to protect their interests, but they also know that they sell to the consumer, and we are the ones who keep them going. They have a lot of power by keeping it open, because EA isn't likely to ignore a huge segment of the market, namely the PlayStation brand.

[League_of_Draven]

Ever think that they patented this so it would PREVENT people from doing this? If it didn't then they would still get money from whoever does do this.

[tigertron]

I'll only rage if Sony comes out and says the PS4 will block used games, but until then this is all scare mongering.

[memots]

OMG stop with this already..

When you buy a game on pc you cannot resell them because most of them are linked to your Steam account or Live account for good. Unless you sell the account you cannot sell your copies.

Will people stop freaking out already about this. Console maker did not come out and say this was going to happen and These patent means nothing.

Edit, Fyi this was rumored on the next xbox as well and yet we did not see that many artcile about it. But if Sony does it THE DOOMZ THE DOOMZ SONY DOOOOOOMMZ

[smashcrashbash]

I agree. This is stupid.This was said even before the PS3 and did they implement it? No. Sony has said nothing about implementing this on the PS4 or any other system in the future.And do you really think Sony would do this if no one else did? I mean how stupid do you think Sony is? They have this in place if it comes down to blocking second hand sales.A business must always be looking a short and long term. If they implement this you can be sure that the gaming industry will be in full agreement to do it. So don't blame Sony for looking ahead to what is already being discussed by several developers and hardware companies. You can be certain, that is if you have any brains or common sense, that if Sony is looking ahead for this that they won't be alone. Don't predict Sony's downfall, predict the gaming industries downfall because they won't be alone. And all people who say all developers will be against it. Think again. They would like nothing better then for you to buy their games new because they get nothing for when you buy it used.So stop with the panic already. If it does happen then we can protest. But what is the point giving yourself a heart attack before you know the detail or even if it will come to past? I swear gamers are the most panicky and lynch mob types in all of the media's. Not even movie buffs freak out this much when they hear news.

[memots]

Bubble up for being smart and making sense ( and good at English lol )

[modrats]

Joe913, There wouldn't be any decline in sales of games because you're talking about used games sales. The developers don't get anything for used games. This is very simple to understand. Of course they want this, you would too if you were trying to sell games. Who wants to have a business that fails?

[steve30x]

Sony must have thought it through that if your console dies that if you have to change your console then you contact them with proof of purchase of the game and your consoles serial number. Then if they see you own the game from new and that its not second hand then they give you a code or something to allow you to play the game on the new console. i could be wrong but it would make sense to work it that way.

[WetN00dle69]

We all need to calm down!! Lets wait for E3 before we all start the doomsaying! We have yet to see what Sony has planned. Cause lets be honest. If Sony has Patented its own downfall then so has MS since they have been planning to not support second hand games for awhile now and that has been known before Sony Patented this feature. So for now the best thing we can do is WAIT to hear it from the horse's mouth.

[BrianC6234]

This won't be the PS4's downfall. We have no idea it will even be part of the PS4. But the other consoles could all include ways of stopping you from playing used games. Instead of buying used games everyone should just wait for sales. Then the game developers will get their money and be able to keep making games and you won't be handing your money over to stores like Gamestop. Their used games aren't very cheap. If you really care about the future of gaming you should support the companies that make the games.

[ginsunuva]

Or you patent to stop others from trying it. Dumb@sses.

[Drainage]

you stop other competitors from killing themselves...hmmmm yea sure buddy

[Silly gameAr]

Are we crying over a patent again?

[Kidmyst]

I am not yet even concerned over this. If PS4 and 720 both have this, I highly doubt it'll have any impact to those who buy the new game, even years later. I may get negative votes for mentioning PC but I am. PC gaming has done this for years, you install a game, register the CD with your login and years later can re-install the game and use the same CD key. Some companies link it to an account so as long as the same account is tied to the re-install you have no issues. Some games you can use the same CD key to install it, but only one can be online at a time. So you could install on a PC and laptop but don't try and connect both to MP or punkbuster would kick you.

[AlucardFury]

People need to realize that these companies are in it for the money. Its just a patent, which come and go, some not seeing the light of day. The company to blame is GameStop. Everytime they post their earnings, you always see massive numbers with their used market. Money that the developers don't get a piece of.

[finite]

How happy am I to be a PC gamer and already have DRM where I already can not sell my games .... welcome console gamers to what us PC users have had to put up with for some time... stop crying like babies always wanting everything your way.

[annus]

To bad after about 2 weeks PC games are already cheaper than used games on consoles. You only have to look at steam, they have been throwing out heaps of games for 75% off, even games like Assassins Creed 3 was like 50% off.

[CLOUD1983]

I am & I always was a hardcore PS fan "but" if PS4 cant play used/borrowed games then this will be enough to never buy a PS4 for as long this chip is in use, so sorry SONY but this will be your downfall next generation & this time for good & the fault will be all on your side.

[brich233]

OMG Sony, I am so excited for this new patent. I cant wait. Oh and by the way, F uuuuu!

[aceloth]

Technology solution aside - this may be what the industry needs to stay viable.

We've seen enough companies shutdown during this generation. The dev costs are just too high to also be financing (read carrying) the used game industry, not to mention hackers who are paying no one.

If you enjoy playing video games, then you should want to pay the people making them, so that they can continue to do so.

[ZBlacktt]

No more Game Stop!!!! Boy do they rip you off. Yet everyone wants to look at Sony. I bet the price of new games drops $20 right off the bat.

The real people mad here:

GameStop

Game burning pirates

You know whole else is mad? Yep, all you trophy hacking custom firmware using low lifes. The PS4 will be more locked down to only run with "current" non hacked firmwares.

So we can thank all of the people listed above for their greed and dishonesty for changing the way we all play now.

btw, this story is just looking for hits. This has been posted before. See, more low lifes all around us. Has Sony come out and said this is all fact? Nope....

[wynams]

"I bet the price of new games drops $20 right off the bat."

No offense, but you are an idiot.

[ZBlacktt]

Coming from you. It really doesn't matter. I'm just surprised trailer parks have Internet.

[OSIRUSSS]

Implemented or not I will quit gaming if I can't play used games. End of story. I think this is not gonna be implemented on launch, it will come year 2 maybe? That chip will be activated with a FW update. Sony is doing this to get 3rd party exclusives. They can pitch to 3rd parties that all games sold on our system will make you money.

[Treian]

Because how many sony patents actually go through lol

[wynams]

If PS4 (or any console really) ever ships with something like this, then no sale here.

[FinalomegaS]

man, the year just started and we get sony is doomed?

let's look on the bright side... at least now MS & Nint will have to have physical media disc since they can't follow on to this patent lol jk...

Not sure we are going to end up liking the outcome in the future, these big corporations are looking out for their number 1 after all. Just hope physical media never goes away...

[juaxoo09]

What ever happened to the whole try before you buy notion? Console makers are forgetting the past. When I was growing up, and my parents wouldn't buy me every single game, I would just pawn off my spoiled friends who did. I would borrow their games until my birthday or Christmas came around. So they're trying to completely take that away from gamers? Not being able to borrow a game from a friend to see if you'll like it or not. I don't know man, sony may have just lost a loyal customer.

[silkrevolver]

It doesn't affect me all that much.
I almost never buy used.

But I do lend out my games all the time.
I'LL HAVE NO MORE FRIENDS!!!!

[Ryto]

Doubt it, someone like this would require Internet access such as associating a game code to a user account, Sony and MS have consoles is just about every country in the world, many of which have very little to no Internet, so no. Not this generation.

Edit: just read its a chip so it can be offline, well maybe it's true!!

[Omnislash]

There is a patennt out there for windshield wipers that never need to be replaced guess who has it? The windshield wiper company. There is a patent out there for a fully functioning gas-free electric car guess who has that patent? Ford Motor Company. Just because someone has a patent doesnt mean they are going to use it.

[ironmonkey]

i dont mind it

[ATi_Elite]

if you think Sony/MS are NOT gonna use this or something like it then your kidding yourself and you need to learn Business 101!!

Sony/MS make NO money from used game sales and that's Billion of dollars they are missing out of and Sony/MS want that MONEY...especially Sony who is not doing well right now!

.No more used games
.No more letting your friend borrow a game
.Gotta drag your whole console with you to play at a friends house
.Game Rental prices will go up as Game Rental Companies will have to Pay higher fees to unlock features

I am very curious as to how things will work when your console burns out and you buy another one. What happens to your games?

[Clarence]

1st off who cares about gamestop. They rip people off all the time.

2nd No one knows what Sony will do with the patent. They could implement it, but we will have to wait and see.

3rd It sounds like a couple of people are trying to scare people off from buying the PS4.

4th It this does happen maybe developers will start making exclusive games for the PS4 because they know that the game will have to be bought new not used.

Imagine COD franchise only being on the PS4 because Activation gets tired of their games being bought used. Think of how much money is lost to the used game market.

[lonix]

Sony is protecting us from other console makers "who would" use this system by patenting it. This system could have other uses besides anti used games it could be used to fight piracy.

[Adolph Fitler]

Wow, this is a new low for even the interweb media & fanboys......Bashing Sony before they have even shown, or announced existance of a new console.

They filed for about a thousand patents last year alone, & lately (as in last few months) have filed for a boatload more patents (many of which won't be used ever).

So stop this Sony bashing, as it is already ridiculous. We know from last gen. that U.S. media hate Sony, & want them to fail, it is understandable considering a U.S. based console manufacturer has never got past 1 gen., let alone come close to dominating the Japanese giants.

But MS don't need any help, & as sure as the world turns, it's inevitable that the Japanese giants are outdone eventually..........it does peeve me that U.S. media & fanboys are desperately trying to speed up the process.

[AD705]

I personally haven't bought a used game in years. I use to be a guy who bought them all the time then I got tired of getting screwed by gamestop and atleast 1/5 games I bought were always scratched or damages to the point where I couldn't play it. That's when I stopped getting used games.

But I do think it is dumb for any company to restrict or banned used game sales. We're in a false economy and not everyone can shell out 60 bucks with taxes for every game and most aren't patient enough to wait for price cuts.

Also who knows how much money the games on the PS4 will cost.

[aceloth]

People who can't afford to pay for a movie at the theater wait for the dvd rental, which here is analogous to waiting for the gaming price cuts...

[bunfighterii]

At the moment we don't even know how this technology will be implemented, if at all. It might be used for an entirely different purpose, it might not be used at all. Companies have literally thousands of patents that sit idle and never get used. Instead of jumping to conclusions from a patent application that, frankly few people understand, how about we go by what Sony have said in the past, which is they don't plan on blocking used games.

[ElectricKaibutsu]

I so don't care at all if this is only used to check to see if you have a legitimate copy of the game, not a pirated copy.

"Why in the world would Sony file this patent if Microsoft and Nintendo aren't?"
I don't think the author knows how patents work...

[rapidturtle]

Its funny, I thought we bought the game, and should be able to do with it as we please. If Sony does this then crown MS the crown of next gen.

[Adolph Fitler]

@ Stefan771,
Nobody did mate, in fact, there PR head has already stated that there machine won't block used games. I mean, they made PS3 games region free, unlike both Nintendo's & MS's machines.
Sony knows they need every advantage to get good sales numbers fast with there next console, & they are aware that this type of feature is not the type of negative press they need.

So, in answer to your question, it is merely internet fanboys that have grabbed one of Sony's many recent patents & turned it into there own twisted set of fictionalized facts that PS4 (Orbis) will have intergrated. Don't listen to these dumbass clowns that dig into a companies many patents to find the most negative & damaging one to either get hits on the web with, or use to "TRY" hurting a company they hate.

[kingPoS]

Um... can someone tell me why it apears ok for pc games to be either system locked or have limited activations, while the very idea is taboo on consoles. I may need some help figuring out this seeming paradox

[Adolph Fitler]

All it could be potentially doing with such a patent, is what other developers are already doing with games online modes, in that used games will require an extra fee to be played online.
So, now companies like EA, Ubisoft, Sony, MS, Hacktavision & such give us a piece of paper with our games that include a online verification or activation code, so I would assume Sony are looking for a way to cut that cost of having to include that useless slip of paper.
So there you have it....another useless, non-factual, made up, story about "The Evil" Sony corporation trying to kill our babies in there sleep.

[Danja]

Sony has stated that understand the importance of used game sales I'm too lazy to go look for the article or quote.

Second not because they make a patent of something means they will actually implement it, sometimes major companies patent something to prevent another from doing it.

I'm sure they won't implement this they have already implemented a way into making money off people who buy used games with the Online Pass.

Stupid article.

[Neko_Mega]

Sony will only do it if Microsoft does to. Because they wouldn't want a reason for people to turn to the new Xbox, plus I don't fully see this going through.

[Rebo00]

Having never bought 2nd hand games or traded them in I look forward to this RFID chip and hope the savings are passed on in cheaper games (£30 instead of £40):-)

[Rebo00]

Also, would seem that 3rd Party Developers would prefer programming for Sony rather than Microsoft knowing that they would get more money off 2 games priced at £30 than one game priced at £40 and then it being traded in and resold.

[sdplisken]

sony wont do this for one reason, microsoft would then open its arms to the used game market and more than likely advertise about it big time

[stryx]

Something that I've noticed is no one has seen the other reason RFID chips could be used, anti-piracy. The patent may have use to limit used gaming, but it could have major benefits to kill piracy. It would be a lot more difficult to spoof an RFID code if it is required to run the software.

Also, if America wasn't as cheap as it is, we wouldn't have a huge used market. Years ago, we all used to be proud to have new and better. Now we skimp and cheat others out of money. The more this happens, the less money being circulated.

Best benefit for all developers and publishers would be to have their hand in the used game business. Buy back the game give % off their new games. Or if so, someone open a store that cuts in the developers on used game sales instead of hoarding it and the gaming industry wouldn't have to jump to these kinds of solutions.

Besides, Microsoft is going to start using Blu-ray in their next system and RFID coding is going to appear in the drive itself, not the system hardware, so all next gen Blu-ray drives will make games and movies work differently.

My vote is all this is to prevent piracy...not fight used games.

[deletingthis34675334]

I am supportive of this idea. Developers get ripped off by greedy ass American corporations like GameStop by raking in more cash for a game than the developers themselves ever could, oh but the developers get demonized for taking measures against such a mess that is GameStop. If I was a developer I would rather have my game posted on Torrents and Usenet than having a greedy American corporate giant raking in billions of dollars and me not seeing a single cent from their profits. That's just criminal and is way more evil in my eyes than someone on The Pirate Bay sharing their games to everyone for free. It's sad that pirates get demonized for getting some of their games for free off the computer when the same people that demonize pirates pay 55 dollars to GameStop and the developers getting none of that money, yet somehow feel good about themselves for doing the "right" thing. Such twisted justice among gamers. No wonder I hate living in this world.

[ArcticWolfUK]

Could be a good thing, Sony patent it so gaming / movie / music industries don't abuse it.

Ya'll so negative, sony use it the ps4 won't sell simples! they ain't that stupid

[Fakdafakinfakerz]

Oh, noooz! Sony is doomed! Sigh... Where is my sales article btw?

http://www.vgchartz.com/

[ziggurcat]

*facepalm*

when will idiot "journalists" realize that patents don't mean anything? companies like sony/MS/apple have patent lists a mile long, but that doesn't mean they're going to use those ideas. if anything, it just gives them some kind of legal leg to stand on if anyone uses this kind of thing (in the exact same way sony developed the idea).

and as several people have pointed out: an identical patent was filed before the PS3 launched, and we all know how that was impleme... oh, wait, it wasn't.

idiotic article down voted for being ill-informed, and an obvious sony doooooooooooom article.