One of the major points taken from the Xbox One reveal is how the console will handle used games. Although conflicting stories have surfaced, the most prominent rumor is that a user who attempts to play a used disc will have to pay a "fee". This "fee" may or may not be equal to the retail price of the game. If this is true, it will likely be the same on the PS4 as well. Here's why I believe it:
1) If this "fee" applies only to MS published games, it would be far less of an issue than it's being reported as. After all, exclusive games account for less than 10% of total games this generation - next generation will likely be even less.
2) If the "fee" is for all (or most) games (including third party games), it will almost certainly be applied to PS4 games as well. After all, if Activision, EA (or any other publisher) is going to collect a "fee" anytime an Xbox One user installs a pre-owned game, what reason would they have for allowing a PS4 owner to play the exact same used game for free? While some may make the argument that MS makes people pay for what's free elsewhere (Xbox Live), the used game fee would be a publisher revenue, not MS. This would be an entirely different model than Xbox Live, as publishers don't get any of the Xbox Live subscription money.
Who would collect the used game "fee"? If it's an EA game, it's obvious that EA would. After all, they could argue that it's their lost sale. Used game fees for third party games can't be considered an MS revenue stream, because MS would have no claim to attempt to collect a fee for a game that they didn't publish.
Used game fees are clearly publisher driven, as MS or Sony would have little to gain from them (unless the game in question is one of their own exclusives). Therefore, it's only logical that the exact same games will have the exact same policies regardless of what platform they are played on.
There's simply no reason to collect a used game fee on one console but not on another. Any publisher who does that will potentially be sabotaging themselves, as well as the console maker.
Sony has already announced that the PS4 will not block used games, but the fee model would allow that statement to remain true. Unfortunately, it's looking like next generation will be a lot more expensive for consumers.
Review: Tales of Kenzera: Zau is an absolute treat for Metroidvania fans. A game with a brilliant soundtrack and a lot of heart and soul.
If you are sick and tired of a certain debuff, you're not alone. See what Helldivers 2 players think about that overused debuff.
After being benched for 20 years, and returning only to be forsaken again despite being a splendid game, it's time Kid Icarus gets salvation.
No "conflicting stories" of merit.
Microsoft corporate vice president Phil Harrison already confirmed used fees in an interview with Kotaku.
Let me just say that I will never support such a model. If the next Valve game/system does it? I'm not buying. If the next Nintendo console does it, I'm not buying. Restrictions like that have no place in this industry and is not deserving of any money.
If all else fails, I'll find another hobby or just stick to older video game consoles until such a model ceases.
Honestly, as an avid Sony fan, you make a far point and it scares me.
The PS4 is looking like the last bastion for core gamers. I love Sony and what they've done for the industry, but if they allow publishers to be little shits and ruin the hobby I love, I'll be forced to only game on the pc.
I hope we get some answers at E3
It's almost too surreal to think of when EA announced the death of the online pass so many anticipated what dreadful idea would be enforced in place of that tactic.
For those that approved this blog: was the image link not broken for you when this was in pending like it is now? If so, make sure to inform that poster of the mistake so it can be corrected before reaching the front page.