420°

The PlayStation 4 could be as restricted as the Xbox One

Darryl Linington from ITF Gaming writes: Microsoft has finally come clean regarding everything related towards DRM and second hand games. However, once reading through the confessional, one tends to realise that the lockdown on second hand games as well as having access to an internet connection may not just be a Microsoft thing.

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TrevorPhillips3968d ago

Sony wouldn't mess up, so I doubt the PS4 would be restricted!

F4sterTh4nFTL3968d ago

Makes you wonder why Microsoft would go through with this when Sony was not, and why are Big Publishers supporting Sony if it still allows used games. I have a feeling Sony was too scared to go first seeing how rabid its fanbase is and Microsoft had the balls to come clean knowing that they will always have there loyal COD and Halo crowd to sell there systems no matter what they do.

Seraphemz3968d ago

" ..knowing that they will always have there loyal COD and Halo crowd to sell there systems no matter what they do. "

that is a very sad statement...

InTheLab3968d ago

They had the balls to go first....real stand up guys over at MS...

Captain Qwark 93968d ago

this^^^ if people think that users arent going to experience similar restrictions on a very similar product they are crazy.

if im a publisher for example, i can make a game on one console where it cant be resold or is but with restrictions, and pretty much anytime it exchanges hands/owners i profit or i put it on a console where i lose money when/if that happens. why do i even bother with he second one then?

is it greedy, yeah but it is what it is. i dont see sony exempt from this, if they are, thats fantastic but i highly doubt it

Bluepowerzz3968d ago

really all these microsoft spin guys are so sad

RenegadeRocks3968d ago

Had the balls? LOL ! Consumers are getting fucked over by companies and u say they have balls to do it ! LOL ...no wonder such stuff still sells. I will never get why people bow down to such shit and buy thier stuff.

If all consoles go this way, I will have to go back to PC and NOT pay them any money. THey can have a quartet set of balls and go through bankruptcy ! I won't give a damn.

I own what I own, if the game is to be rented I won't pay full price. As simple as that !

TRGMatt3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

lol...well, that's one way to look at it I suppose :p

SoapShoes3968d ago

@Quark 9 - It may work for publishers at the beginning but if no one buys the Xbox One they won't be making games for it no matter how friendly the restrictions are to them. If PS4 also has this and no one buys it and everyone goes to Wii U, do you really expect publishers to make games where no one is playing?

ginsunuva3968d ago

@SoapShoes

No one in their right minds would go to Wii U. They'd play on PC, silly.

JokesOnYou3968d ago

"This means that if publishers are indeed in control of how their games operate on each console, then Sony and the PlayStation 4 would have to adhere to the same restrictions that Microsoft has been placed on the chopping block for… right?"

^^^^This.

unchartedxplorer3968d ago

Microsoft have the balls. Just like they have the balls NOT to have an e3 press conference roundtable?

NatureOfLogic3968d ago

While Xbox one is DESIGNED to allow publishers control, PS4 is not(the reason there's no internet connection required). If publishers choose to block PS4 games it will have to do with their servers and not the PS4 hardware, meaning that there will be many games that doesn't require internet just to play like the Xbox one. Blocking PS4 will be like publishers putting Internet required to play across all of their games which would be financial suicide, especially considering there WILL BE GAMES that don't enforce such restrictions. Some publishers will use these restrictions against other games to their advantage.

Captain Qwark 93968d ago

@soapshoes

i agree, and maybe that will be the case maybe it wont be but one thing is for sure, the majority of consumers arent those on this website. most of them just arent that educated on the products they buy and all these restrictions will likely be a punch in the face after they already bought it.....but thats the problem, "already bought it" which means its sold, done deal and unless they either return it or sell it, which some will but the majority wont, then that means increased install base, which means people will want games which means publishers will have that choice

blackbeld3968d ago

Nah, I don't think so.

They already stated it clearly and also #NOPS4DRM campaign is clear.

Xbone spinners site marked.

yesmynameissumo3968d ago

"This means that if publishers are indeed in control of how their games operate on each console, then Sony and the PlayStation 4 would have to adhere to the same restrictions that Microsoft has been placed on the chopping block for… right?"

You don't see the contradiction? If publishers are in control of how their games operate ON EACH CONSOLE, Sony can do what they want and allow what they want on their console. Just b/c MS is anti-gamer, anti-consumer doesn't mean Sony or the PS4 will be too.

loulou3968d ago

lets just wait and see what sony says at e3.

tehy have already stated that they would let the publishers decide. it seems to me that m$ just echoed what they said.

the fanboys will assplode when sony announces the same restrictions and admits that they are part of the partner plan next week.

unchartedxplorer. have sony confirmed a round table at e3?? microsoft will still be speaking to the journalists.. just like sony will

Darrius Cole3968d ago

Folks, this is just not possible without an internet connection, which the PS4 does not require, AND online registration, which the PS4 does not require.

All this wishful thinking on behalf of Microsoft is understandable, but not accurate.

Microsoft really mis-judged the market by this much. Sony did not make the same mistake.

Personally, I think Microsoft got misled because they were able to get away with charging people to play online over their own internet connections and figured that those same people would go for this DRM. But regardless of why they thought it, it is now clear that they did. Phil Harrison understood it and explained it to us perfectly.

InTheLab3968d ago

"They had the balls to go first....real stand up guys over at MS..."

Was sarcasm and it's a damn shame I have to explain that.

I mean, they actually SAT DOWN and cooked up this anti-gamer/consumer bulls*** and wrapped it into the worst console in gaming history. I mean, without the internet, It's red ring ALL THE TIME.

There's nothing stand up about that. Are you guys new or something?

JokesOnYou3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

@yesmynameissumo, are you that naive sony has said its up to the publisher, if they were going to refuse any type of drm they would have just said "we wont allow any used game drm"....so what does it matter *how they design their consoles in regards to drm, if EA decides to charge a fee the end result whether on X1 or ps4 is you're going to have to pay or not buy EA games. Sony sure is hell isn't going to cut EA off from their platform....its business.

yesmynameissumo3968d ago

@jokes

Sony has also said they have no Internet requirement, no game registration requirement and are not blocking used games. EA could easily collect $ from a PS4 online pass, as that is the choice they have as a publisher on Sony's hardware. It is business and EA needs Sony as much as Sony needs EA.

The_Con-Sept3968d ago

You all seem to forget that developers can be as restrictive as MS. But I don't think a single development company would pursue this on any level as the responsibility is all on their decision instead of Sony themselves.

Skips3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

If Sony DOES NOT adhere to the same restrictions. MUCH MUCH more people will support PS4, in turn giving the PS4 a much larger install base than the Xbone.

No matter how much EA beats their chest, they're definitely not going to miss out on the PS4 install base.

gaffyh3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

As much as I like to blame MS for all of this DRM stuff, it is looking likely that Sony will also have a similar DRM system (although the lack of online requirement pretty much confirms that it will be nowhere near as limiting as the Xbone).

We probably should be blaming the publishers, because I can easily see that EA and Activision had a hand in this announcement, and it was probably one of the reasons why they were both at the MS press conference. If PS4 goes DRM-free, and COD: Ghosts is exclusive to XBone (obviously it would have to be just that console not PS3 or 360 either), XBone wins, simply because the game is way too popular. I don't think Activision would have the balls to do that, so I hope to God that Sony has the balls to stand up to the publishers and say no DRM or at least, completely optional DRM (i.e. if you want to install the game and play without the disc, this is what you have to agree to, but you don't have to etc.).

Darrius Cole3968d ago

@gaffyh

No game is big enough to overwhelm all this DRM bad news, not even COD. There are wayyy to many military shooters for COD to pull someone into a console as bad the Xbone.

Patrick3968d ago

Microsoft built this into their console, Sony does not have to go down the same path. The crap Microsoft is doing is their own design. If they made a console without it do you really think the game makers would refuse to put out games on their console? No, they wouldnt. This is All Microsoft. And if they get away with this, they will take it further. Its them trying to take complete control of what you do with what you buy. I will not support this.

JokesOnYou3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

"This is All Microsoft"

lol, Patrick so naïve, Yet micro confirmed this:

"Microsoft does not charge a platform fee to retailers, publishers, or consumers for enabling transfer of these games."

"Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends. Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners."
http://news.xbox.com/2013/0...

-This is definitely being pushed by publishers when you consider micro isn't being compensated....and you sound so hypocritical bashing microsoft but if sony does drm its all microsofts fault because of course sony doesn't have ANY choice....Nintendo says hi.

Saigon3968d ago

I think the point that people are missing overall is that there are two types of DRM applied in this situation. We have software/medium DRM and we have console/hardware DRM. Software DRM is will be applied through the publisher but for verification it needs a internet connection. Hardware DRM is something totally different. Meaning that the content placed on the console is being controlled by the console not the software applied.

Sony is applying software DRM, allowing the publishers to control how the content is applied through their system. MS is however using both Software and hardware DRM where MS is controlling the content on the system as well as the publishers controlling the software applied to the platform.

From that how is Sony applying any DRM rules. The only DRM rules that I see is from MS. If Sony decides to apply hardware DRM rules, than this is something of another matter. Sony, has already stated that the system will allow used games and play off-line. How can DRM be applied via those scenarios. Unless the codecs on the BR disk are implied to only relay or publish on one system. IDK, the best thing to do is wait on E3, which is a couple of days away to find out the information.

Panthers3968d ago

This is all I am going to say. There is absolutely no benefit to owning an online only console unless the games can all be purchased online and they are cheaper. (eg. Steam)

However, MS is not doing that. We still have to buy discs and we still have to pay full price. Anyone defending this is either a paid employee or complete fanboy. Its disgusting that any consumer would purchase this, and say to Microsoft "I am ok having you take away my rights as a consumer"

Every restriction that the new Xbox has is simply to benefit the developer/MS. None of it is for the consumer.

xxLuckyStrike3967d ago

meanwhile Seraphemz on his PS3.... logs out of Multiplat title and puts on Netflix for the evening

Patrick3967d ago

@Jokes on you
"Patrick so naïve"

Id rather be naïve than ignorant, and supporting this kind of corporate control over what you own is ignorant. I mean, if your internet goes out you cant even play games. In the future when they stop supporting it, you wont even be able to go back and play what you paid for... no nostalgia gaming here. Not everyone has internet or lives in an area that allows for anything more than dial up, if that. I honestly hope the Xbone fails big time. We need to send a message that we arent going to support such a crackdown on what we own.
I mean, I wouldnt even be able to take my own game to my brothers house to play it with him with this kind of restrictions. There are better ways to get people to buy new games as opposed to used.

+ Show (26) more repliesLast reply 3967d ago
Gazondaily3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

MS might drag Sony down in this regard, but I don't think it would be anywhere near to the extent that MS are doing it simply because the X1 appears to be designed with mechanisms that have these restrictions in place.

Still, its a cause for concern and like I've said before, I really hope Sony against this trend that MS trying to set up.

B-radical3968d ago

Im confused when it comes to xbox one rules it says you can give a game to one person on your friends list if the have been on there for 30 days and can only do it once which isnt a big deal but does that mean you can buy one game and have unlimited use of it for yourself and a friend at the same time?

kneon3968d ago

@B-radical

No, once you give it away it is no longer yours so you can't play it.

loulou3968d ago

septic. do you know what mechanisms sony have implemented into the ps4 then?

this is coming to the ps4 as well. save this thread

torchic3968d ago

loulou

the key here is always online/mandatory check-ins

Sony have clearly come out and said the PS4 can be played completely offline, i.e they don't have their own fancy infrastructure that does all these constant checks and so forth.

I think it will be up to publishers. if you, N4G Publishers want your game to have a launch lock then Sony have a system in place which allows your game and only yours to be always online so you can carry out your policies as you wish. SCE on the other hand will leave all their games completely free of restrictions.

Microsoft is going one unnecessary step ahead with their policies and tech.

Machiavellian3968d ago

Yes, Sony said that the PS4 can be played offline and so can the X1. Its all in the details which people continue to forget.

Sony stated that Online checks is up to the publishers. Meaning if publishers want their game to support some type of online check then Sony will support it. If one console supports Online checks, why do people think that publishers will not have the same system in place on the PS4.

The difference is that Sony is playing around with words but I believe they will face more heat for not being honest. Sony could have easily stated their "Publishers" DRM and how that will affect their customers but they are willing to ride this wave of good will for as long as possible.

4Sh0w3967d ago (Edited 3967d ago )

Machiavellian

I agree I cant imagine any scenario where publishers for example are going to charge a fee for the 2nd owner for BF4 on X1 while then saying to sony well its OK 2nd hand owners for the ps4 version can play without any fees. Its going to be both or none for each publisher since both sony and microsoft have said its up to publishers anyway.= Theres only 1 other potential scenario, sony does what nintendo seems to have done which is refuse publishers demands for new drm and look at how 3rd party support has impacted wii u. I just dont see sony willing to take that blow.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3967d ago
attilayavuzer3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

The more articles I read on this, the more likely it seems both consoles will have roughly the same restrictions-or at least the option of the same restrictions-just that Sony will have an out by saying "Well we left it up to publishers so don't get mad at us". Obviously theres still that ridiculous 24 hour check in thing on the Xbox, but otherwise I don't think there'll be much difference.

I think the most interesting thing will be to see if Sony locks their first party titles.

kneon3968d ago

Without the forced online Sony can't do the same sort of DRM. I expect any DRM would be along the lines of online passes.

Anon19743968d ago

Not much of an article. Read the title and you've pretty much read all this has to offer.

And given the fact that Sony has already stated you'll never have to take the PS4 online if you don't want to, I don't know how it could be as restrictive as what Microsoft is proposing.

Why o why3968d ago

They wont listen dude... captain qwark the shill has been trying to 'sony too' since this whole fiasco began. Up to developers means its in their hands, not sonys, just like it is now. Online passes is another issue though. That will need clarification as that falls within the used game subject matter.

greenpowerz3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

Sony would be sealing their own doom if they allow MSFT to better protect developer software.

For all we know Sony's unwillingness to make a choice could be part of the reason MSFT has made historic exclusive partnerships with devs like Respawn and EA, not deals but partnerships. If Sony doesn't follow more and more will do what EA did.

Geoff Keighley said he has heard from his sources Sony has something similar so all might not be lost.

Companies like Respawn and EA know gamers will get internet to play Azura cloud enhanced versions of Battlefield 4/5/6 etc etc.

The reality is most likely that both companies were pushed to do this by the developers and publishers. MSFT had the guts to come out with it first, with MSFT knowing their market strength was far greater and could take the massive hit also at the same time taking advantage of deals made by devs for embracing it first and fully.

kneon3968d ago

How exactly are they going to do something similar when they have said that the PS4 does not require online? The answer is they won't. Single player will likely be the same as it is today and any DRM will most likely be related to online, just as it is today for many games.

Karpetburnz3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

Sometimes, all you got to do is thank Sony for all that they have done for us, it doesn't matter which camp you come from, so please GreenPowerz, join me and experience and indulge in our loving community and be rewarded with world class gaming, the Playstation way. thank you Sony.

Ron_Danger3968d ago

So what happens if your Internet connection cuts out or slows down because of bad weather? Will you still be able to play those enhanced Azure cloud games?? Or will they just default to lower resolution, lower AI versions of their former selves?

grassyknoll3968d ago

Do you think when you type?

Godlovesgamers3968d ago

@greenpowerz

"Sony would be sealing their own doom if they allow MSFT to better protect developer software."

By this comment alone it's easy to determine that you either work for Microsoft or a developer/publisher backing this anti consumer agenda, why else would you so short sightedly put first the needs of developers in this argument?

Now that we know whose pocket you have your hands in, it's time for a reality check. The market is determined by the wants and needs, supply and demand of consumers, not the suppliers.

Sony will be sealing MSFT doom if they implement policies that don't violate the rights, trusts and privacy of consumers as MSFT does because believe it or not, people actually DON"T PREFER TYRANNY IN ANY FORM.

People prefer FREEDOM, which is why if Sony advocates for the consumer and doesn't bow down to these tyrannical business practices put forth by these greedy, pathetic, money hungry developers and publishers, then the PS4 will be the obvious choice for consumers and developers will be forced to follow or make games for a console no one will play leading of course to their financial collapse.

It's not rocket science.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3968d ago
OlgerO3968d ago

You are wrong, They have no choice but to implement something on used games. I predict it to be better then microsofts plans though.

xxLuckyStrike3967d ago

DRM and online checks, who'd thought that 20 years ago on my NES SNES. Under powered closed PC's with restrictions, May as well build a PC to my liking and go on a shopping spree @ steam

mmccarthy43968d ago

Sony really has to do almost nothing and they automatically win over a large audience. I think sony realises this and will market the shit out of it for the next few months

Godlovesgamers3968d ago (Edited 3968d ago )

It's been my experience that Companies work together to consumer detriment rather than benefit. With that said, if you don't think that markets are fixed and so called "rival companies" don't meet behind closed doors in secret then you would be in for a very, very rude awakening.

Sony has been coy at best about their stance on the whole used games issue, but I can tell you one thing, if they plan to implement anything even close to resembling what M$ says it's doing with regards to used games, etc... then I will NOT be going "Next Gen" if that means that I don't actually own what I pay for.

I have a bad feeling like Sony and M$ are on the same page with anti consumer agenda but are taking different, yet similar approaches to see which will be more widely accepted, moving them closer to the same endgame or goal. M$ has said that the DRM is done at the console level and Sony quietly says that they allow for the same but that it's done at the software level (ie; up to publisher/developer) but the ones who obviously have the most to gain from this are the publishers/developers. If we let these companies forcefully dictate how the next gen is shaped rather than it being a product of consumer wants and needs then they win and we lose and gaming and consumer rights as whole are changed forever and for the worst.

It's time for all gamers to take a stand regardless of console or platform. Companies only speak one language, MONEY, and if we speak with our MONEY ie; don't give it to companies that trample consumers rights, then we will all be heard LOUD AND CLEAR.

It's time to lower your flag, whether it be a "Sony" or "M$" and "come together, right now, over tyrannical corporate greed".

Any one who spends on dollar on any product that furthers this greed agenda by big corporations betrays themselves and every other gamer out there.

These companies are testing us to see how much they can get away with, don't even give them an inch.

arronax-13968d ago

Besides do you even SEE a figgin kinect anywhere on the PS4?

Christopher3968d ago

It actually could be more restrictive/convoluted.

Scenario: You don't have to check a game online, but the game is tied to a single console and can't be played anywhere else until you go online to verify purchase and enable it to be played elsewhere. It could even use license keys for registration that would be managed by the publishers and their way of controlling used game sales (you buy a game used, but would have to buy the new license key for the game).

4Sh0w3967d ago (Edited 3967d ago )

yeah thats certainly possible

nosferatuzodd3968d ago

Anytime Microsoft is doing something bad the xbox fanboys always find away to involve playstation in their hellish little circle, this author needs to be a man and stop trying to drag plastation to hell with Microsoft and tell Microsoft to get rid of DRM

Tapioca Cold3968d ago

Man im a huge sony fan but you are a fanboy. You dont know anything right now so how can speak blinding truths out of assumptions. The ps4 could be as restrictive. Can you read?

ALLWRONG3968d ago

Yes Sony will do something similar. Anyone who defends ether one is just a sheep ready for slaughter.

Guess the Wii U and PC doesn't look to bad anymore huh? I hope the video game industry crashes and only Nintendo and PC survives.

So far the only things MS and Sony have given us are online passes, nickle and dime DLC, paid services, and DRM. The Xbox One and PS4 will only be rental boxes for games you have to pay for but can never own.

avengers19783967d ago

People need to stop saying "MS is doing it, so Sony has to do it to". If Sony doesn't require Internet connection, then they are not doing things the same way, and really Sony choosing not to do those things gives them a huge advantage. It also means out of the 3 MS will be going at it alone with restrictive game play. Nintendo and Sony staying away from also having all the restrictions MS is using will mean they both outsell the XB1

4Sh0w3967d ago (Edited 3967d ago )

avengers its just a discussion and it seems some of you guys just dont see the possible endstate because you're holding on to carefully worded statements from sony, nothing they've said completely pulls used game drm off the table, in short they can lock your game to the 1st console through a one time registration this would of course still mean you can play completely offline with no daily checks but it just locks the game to your console which means you can't play anywhere else until you go online to verify purchase and enable it to be played elsewhere. The endstate although misleading is that sure you dont NEED internet and ps4 can play (1st owner) games completely offline but buying a used game will result in you paying for a license code.= used game drm

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 3967d ago
jaredhart3968d ago

Hopefully not. I think Sony is smarter as a company. If they come out in E3 and directly dispel these issues, the PS4 will easily win this generation.

Gazondaily3968d ago

It's not as easy as that. They have to balance the needs of publishers with that of the consumers.

SilverKiller3968d ago

in Fact i thing Sony will continue to use the same approach that they have with PS3, like multiple software updates on the system for you to be able to play games online and an always first check online for some games that required network conection for it to be able to play it the first time, the big problem that i think Sony will not have is that they probably are not going to Enforce players to buy licenses for used games adn this problem will apply for LEnd Games to your friends... imagine if a friend of your have a game that you want to try he cannot lend you the game for you to test it for more than 24 hours (all thos action games similar to god of War, or RPGs that do not offer online content) i know for a fact that at least with my friend with those games that do not have online we usually buy a game each and once we finish we lend it over to the other is like buying the game half price since you only play them once, with MS you are not going to be able to do that, or Rent Games or Buy used games, and i think as far as i have read in most Sony News, they are not planning to do that on games

SoapShoes3968d ago

The needs of the publishers won't be met if people are put off and don't buy the systems. So the needs of the consumers are more important because without them there would be no publishers.

xxLuckyStrike3967d ago

@jaredhart Sony is damn near in financial ruin!!! Meanwhile MS just spent 1 billion on Video games. and win exactly what?!! Mann you fanboys fool yourselves to the point of ideology.

Sandmano3968d ago

"COULD" is such a big word that holds no substance until we see for our selves on the 10th.

3968d ago
Karpetburnz3968d ago

Whatever it might be, I'm getting a PS4 day 1 baby, thank you Sony.

Show all comments (144)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple1015d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref4d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde4d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander19724d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville4d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff21834d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos4d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
isarai5d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref4d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan4d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis0073d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander19725d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

5d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19725d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

5d ago
5d ago
Zeref4d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde4d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander19724d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander19724d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier4d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto4d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff21834d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto4d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4d ago
Hofstaderman4d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts4d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts3d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic4d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

Show all comments (43)
240°

Is Driver (PS1) Still Worth Playing in 2024?

"Driver was a technical achievement for PS1, a pioneer in cinematic gaming, and an often brutal challenge - TechStomper asks if its brand of 70s car chase antics still holds up."

Read Full Story >>
techstomper.com
PrimeVinister5d ago

The driving holds up, most of everything else does not.

PrimeVinister5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

@Shane Kim

Well, I mean the driving physics hold up. The draw distance, police AI, visuals in general etc do not

Cacabunga5d ago

One of my all time favorites on PS1. I spent a summer vacation playing this was so good

isarai5d ago

Sadly youd be hard pressed to find any driving game with better physics these days. But the draw distance really kills it for me

PrimeVinister5d ago

The physics hold up ridiculously well. And the draw distance is a real hurdle at first.

__y2jb5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Nonsense. The physics in any modern game or any 360 game is light years beyond Driver.

Dandizzle5d ago

This game is hard, you will fail and quit

PrimeVinister5d ago

But you will get there eventually... maybe

jznrpg5d ago

Stop with is it worth it articles. If you want to play a game play the damn game!

anast5d ago

I loved this game awhile back.

Barlos4d ago

Yeah but is it worth reading pointless articles?

__y2jb5d ago

It wasn’t worth playing in the 90’s.

Espangerish5d ago

My thoughts exactly. I bought it at release for full price and got frustrated and bored with it very quickly.

Show all comments (41)
240°

Is Gran Turismo (PS1) Still Worth Playing in 2024?

Gran Turismo for PlayStation launched a sub-genre and revolutionised console racing - TechStomper asks is it still worth playing in 2024.

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techstomper.com
Terry_B7d ago

Well..you can play it completely offline at least ^^

PrimeVinister7d ago

Something we really miss, just turning on the console and having the game start without signing into stuff

Terry_B7d ago

Fully agreed. That and Splitscreen Modes for Racing games.

PrimeVinister7d ago

@Terry_B I miss having people to splitscreen with, but I can't blame anyone for that :-(

Cacabunga7d ago

Not too late.. we can still change that.

PrimeVinister7d ago

@Cacabunga I will let you in, see ya soon compadre :-P

MrBaskerville6d ago

@Terry_B
GT7 actually has 4 player splitscreen. Which is wild in this day and age.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
TiredGamer7d ago

Good news is that Sony released a final update to Gran Turismo Sport to allow it to function offline. Expecting the same for GT7 at some point in the future.

PrimeVinister7d ago

That is great news, I really liked Sport even if many others did not :-/

Chocoburger7d ago

I'm not big into sim racing, but I got sucked into the hype for this one from magazines back then. I just played arcade mode and that was enough for me to feel like I got my money's worth.

Yeah, it's definitely worth playing today. GT 2 has a few interesting fan made graphical mods when played on an emulator as well.

PrimeVinister7d ago

The arcade mode is underrated, it's a great alternative mode and you can even unlock GT HiFi with it.

Fonsecap7d ago

Cars back then had much more personality then those we see today. Modern cars all about the led lights and the tablet size screens and they all seem alike, back then they could be simpler in design but had tons more personality.

PrimeVinister7d ago

That is something a few people have pointed out - that cars all look the same now. I have to agree that a lot of new vehicles lack personality.

fsfsxii7d ago

You guys are so anti-fun its depressing, like who tf cares about personality of objects like wtf? Just learn to enjoy stuff as is.

PrimeVinister7d ago

It's hardly anti-fun to remark that some objects look nicer than others.

And everyone has their favourite era of cars, I sincerely doubt many will pick the 2020s a few decades from now.

Fonsecap7d ago

Dude, like wft cares about personality of objects? What about art? Paintings are objects and they're considered good or bad if they show or lack personality so I ask, wtf are you talking about? Cars are also considered pieces of art, vintage cars, classic cars, classic bikes and so on. Artists are appreciated by the objects they craft, blacksmiths, painters, engineers, designers, so wtf cares about personality of objects indeed... ( Sorry for my English, it's not my native language)

MrBaskerville6d ago

Talking about cars is fun if you are a car enthusiast. Just saying.

ApocalypseShadow7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

That Corvette Stingray to this day is one of the most ferocious whips ever driven. Overpowered against other cars yes. But to drive it and be that close to losing control, but being in command around those curves, just can't be duplicated.

HiFi mode is also something I miss. There should be a mode in today's GT where it's Mano o Mano and the detail and resolution jump full throttle. In today's games, Max Ray Tracing and lighting and textures to make it look even more real..

PrimeVinister7d ago

A modern HiFi mode would be really cool! It would be really interesting to see how real they could go by stripping it all way back.

And Stingray is a solid choice 👌

TiredGamer7d ago

HiFi mode in GT1 was only a stripped down 60 fps mode for one track. Should have been called "Performance Mode" or "High Frame Rate" mode.

PrimeVinister7d ago

@TiredGamer it was only three tracks, but it was still cool

Petebloodyonion7d ago

Not according to Former Playstation president Jim Ryan for he told Time that he doesn't see why anyone would play old games given the advancements in fidelity achieved today.

https://time.com/4804768/pl...

PrimeVinister7d ago

I don't agree with him, but he had a few good points.

Show all comments (33)