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.

[TrevorPhillips]

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

[F4sterTh4nFTL]

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.

[Seraphemz]

" ..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...

[InTheLab]

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

[Captain Qwark 9]

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

[Bluepowerzz]

really all these microsoft spin guys are so sad

[RenegadeRocks]

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 !

[TRGMatt]

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

[SoapShoes]

@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?

[ginsunuva]

@SoapShoes

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

[JokesOnYou]

"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.

[unchartedxplorer]

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

[NatureOfLogic]

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 9]

@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

[blackbeld]

Nah, I don't think so.

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

Xbone spinners site marked.

[yesmynameissumo]

"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.

[loulou]

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 Cole]

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.

[InTheLab]

"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?

[JokesOnYou]

@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.

[yesmynameissumo]

@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-Sept]

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.

[Skips]

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.

[gaffyh]

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 Cole]

@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.

[Patrick]

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.

[JokesOnYou]

"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.

[Saigon]

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.

[Panthers]

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.

[xxLuckyStrike]

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

[Patrick]

@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.

[Gazondaily]

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-radical]

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?

[kneon]

@B-radical

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

[loulou]

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

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

[torchic]

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.

[Machiavellian]

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.

[4Sh0w]

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.

[attilayavuzer]

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.

[kneon]

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.

[Anon1974]

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 why]

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.

[greenpowerz]

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.

[kneon]

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.

[Karpetburnz]

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_Danger]

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?

[grassyknoll]

Do you think when you type?

[Godlovesgamers]

@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.

[OlgerO]

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

[xxLuckyStrike]

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

[mmccarthy4]

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

[Godlovesgamers]

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-1]

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

[Christopher]

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).

[4Sh0w]

yeah thats certainly possible

[nosferatuzodd]

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 Cold]

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?

[ALLWRONG]

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.

[avengers1978]

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

[4Sh0w]

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

[jaredhart]

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.

[Gazondaily]

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

[SilverKiller]

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

[SoapShoes]

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.

[xxLuckyStrike]

@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.

[Sandmano]

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

[Karpetburnz]

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

[yesmynameissumo]

Not happening. Both Sony and Microsoft have completely different business models for the gaming space, as well as, different relationships with publishers and developers. Fortunately for Sony, they have executives that actually game and know what that would do.

[Seraphemz]

What I really care about is offline gaming. Sometimes I have to travel to my wifes families house, and they are so old fashioned that they dont even have internet...

So, if I owned a xbox1 i would only be able to play for 24hrs...i need more time than that to avoid the in laws..

[mursumaki]

You could connect internet with your mobile

[Seraphemz]

yea, but that would mean either paying for hotspot with my cell service or hacking my phone....

I guess when push comes to shove I will figure it out...but I just hope SONY at least gives us offline gaming.

[mmccarthy4]

they probably will have offline. the have literally have to be stupid not to milk this. I personally don't care aout ms restrictions because they don't apply to me but there is a large number of people that do and all sony has to do is nothing. THEY WILL MILK IT

[Ashunderfire86]

No it's not. Stop my crap up.

[Ashunderfire86]

typo lol I mean stop with this crap. Did that typo on my iphone lol!!!

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Yes....cant wait for sony to announce their DRM policy because Ubisoft a major Sony backer is one of the publishers that is pushing hard fo DRM. I'm sure Sony don't want to ruin the relationship with them. Sony needs money badly after losing billions on psn the way it was structered.

[Dno]

UBI cannot lose the sales of games on Sonys platforms. Ubi will always make games on Sony unless sony starts selling like Wii u.

But if sony does not do this crazy DRM and used game shit it will sell more then M$ for sure. then every single 3rd party will have to make games for it. Sony better not fuck this up.

[Dno]

ahahah I love these sites trying to take the heat of M$ and place it on Sony.

[Kakashi Hatake]

Why so much desperation to drag Sony down with MS when Sony has confirmed time and time agsin they wont require an internet connection. That alone puts it above XOne. The used games is up to publishers and wont have the same system in place as what MS is doing. This media bias is disgusting. Instead of calling out MS, just lie and throw Sony under with them. Pathetic.

[Shadowsteal]

Microsoft needs to allow publishers the choice of limiting piracy. The xbox360 suffered a huge number of consoles that were modified to play pirated copies of 360 games. Many xboxes were banned for this, Microsoft merely wants to regain trust from publishers.

But they're taking it too far, they're punishing the consumers not the hackers. The psp was immensely hacked, promoting piracy. Sony responded with the Vita which was quite difficult to hack instead of punishing consumers. Sony will do the same on PS4, since several PS3's were jail broken but not nearly as enough when compared to Xbox.

[The Meerkat]

Sony now have an open goal. They would be criminally negligent if they didn't take advantage of MS stupidity.

edit: And the hackers will have bypassed the security within a month of the X1 being launched due its similarity to a PC. Meaning the only people who will suffer are the buyers.

[mmccarthy4]

I can actually see game pirating being a huge issue with xbox

[Baka-akaB]

Sounds more like some fanboys and/or "journalists" keep hoping it's the same over there , to somehow justify the crap on MS's side .
It's a first in the gaming community , however , and a pathetic one .... reduced to hoping everyone else will be as miserable as you

[sway_z]

Why does all the bad stuff have to reflect on PS4 when we still know nothing about it?

Is it a bit of wishful thinking? Possibly....Does it make it okay if PS4 users suffer the same restrictions as XBox One? ..No of course not! I don't believe for one moment any gamer regardless of platform, is happy with MS' policy.

IT IS A PRECEDENT THAT 'ADVERSELY' AFFECTS ALL GAMERS..BUT!

Xbox fan boys need to quit trying to spin everything off on PS4 just because the worst possible scenario is now a reality.

Even if Sony do follow a similar strategy, they're NOT forcing 'Always On', so how it would work effectively, I don't know?

PS4 is the more powerful hardware on paper, is likely to cost less, and has the superior titles (IMO), so it's PS4 all the way for this gamer.

[DOOMZ]

Thats what I heard! Wait for e3 people...

[tracyllrkn]

My guess is that EA doesn't want used games, so you'll have to be online to play the game on both systems. But if another publisher doesn't require their used games to be blocked, then Sony won't require you to be online to play the game and you can share the game anyway you want. But Microsoft will have the used games blocked no matter what?

[brianunfried]

If that is the case I might consider getting a Wii U, or wait for Sega to rise from the ashes. Maybe somebody else will come along and pickup the ball. There is enough entertainment left in my PS3 to wait it out a couple of years if I need to.

[joeyisback]

http://www.vg247.com/2013/0... Sony already confirm no online connection require and also wont block used games drm dang people cant read that Sony confirm it

[TRGMatt]

All it would REALLY take is for Sony to have slightly (or considerably) looser restrictions for both gamers and publishers alike...

The way Sony tends to treat its gamers I HIGHLY DOUBT their DRM will be as restrictive as MS. These policies fall directly in line with Microsoft's business practices though. We'll see what happens at E3...maybe.

[MatriXcian]

Sony would be stupid to follow Microsoft at this point. As it stands right now Sonys console looks like the better option and it would be wise of them to keep it that way. Think about it if Sony refuses all these restrictions that MS is implementing the sales of the PS4 will skyrocket as everyone jumps the xbox ship. Publishers arent going to just ignore the PS4 because thats where all the gamers will be. They will have no choice but to continually support Sony.

[sprinterboy]

Never been a MS console fan, but I can`t see the spying thing being true like listening to conversations etc, cause MS would go straight to court, but I have no issues with knowing your habbits like advert, games etc, cause FB, MS, netflix, Sony, Google etc already do this. My issue is this stupid connect every 24 hrs thing and the used games side of it.

Sony stated at there reveal they would leave it to the developers, so maybe a key will be needed for used games, alittle like the key you need to unlock MP on used games but for SP aswell. I am thinking it will be £20 ish for a used game with a £10 SP/MP unlock key, so money goes to both retail,developer and Sony/MS

[hazelamy]

they said their windows genuine advantage software wasn't spying on people, but it turned out it was.

frankly, if ms claimed the sky was blue, i'd get my eyes checked for colour blindness.

[Koneesha]

Didn't Sony say that you can game offline with the ps4, like by yourself forever with no check ins. If that's true, there isn't really a way to use drm.

[patsrule316]

That is factually not correct. There are still ways they can use DRM, even if the system is never required to go online. It just won't be the same method as XBox One.

A) They could implement DRM where when you do take the system online, it checks your games and will block them from sale. (This would mean in order to avoid DRM, you would NEVER take your system online).

B) They could have some kind of code in your manual that you need to enter into the internet (not your system, but through some other device), which would then give you something you can enter into the PS$ to unlock the game.

There are plenty of other solutions as well. I expect Sony will use some kind of DRM, but have no idea how they will do it (the above are just two possibilities). It would be cool if they didn't but I expect them to impliment it.

But my real point is, everybody who thinks there CAN'T be DRM if internet isn't required in the PS4 is kiding themselves.

[Ippiki Okami]

"But my real point is, everybody who thinks there CAN'T be DRM if internet isn't required in the PS4 is kiding themselves."

Didn't sony go through a PR nightmare with root kits?

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

Considering Kaz and Cerny love the gaming industry I seriously doubt they'd ever implement anything related to any form of DRM. We'll see at E3!

[Hicken]

... BOTH of your options require the use of the internet, which Sony has explicitly said you NEVER have to do with the PS4.

The ONLY way to use DRM is to have a connection to the internet, somehow(which you just supported, rather than refuted). And the PS4 never NEEDS to be connected, so how could they implement DRM?

Your "real" point, whatever it was supposed to be, is destroyed by your very attempt to make it.

[patsrule316]

"Considering Kaz and Cerny love the gaming industry I seriously doubt they'd ever implement anything related to any form of DRM. We'll see at E3!"

You might be right. I never said they would do it. Only that they can do it.

"The ONLY way to use DRM is to have a connection to the internet, somehow(which you just supported, rather than refuted). And the PS4 never NEEDS to be connected, so how could they implement DRM?

Your "real" point, whatever it was supposed to be, is destroyed by your very attempt to make it."

Well, I gave two examples of DRM that didn't require the PS4 to connect to the internet (one that took advantage of any opportunity when a user optionally connected, and one that required the user to access the internet outside of the PS4). Those are just two ideas that COULD be done.

As I said, I don't know what they will do, I just know that if they want to be creative, they still CAN implement forms of DRM without every requiring the system itself to connect to the internet.

[Ron_Danger]

To quote every MS fanboy on this site:

"Just wait till E3"

[Kakashi Hatake]

Dont give him hits. Hes just desperately trying to sway attention to PS4. Despite Sony confirming time and time again, we still get shit articles like this. Article posted below.>>>>>> >>>>>

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.

Xbox One was confirmed as requiring online check-ins once every 24 hours, and Microsoft confirmed that its console wouldn’t charge for used games at publisher’s discretion. < (Please take note of this sentence.) 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?

Think about it, why would one console function completely different to its competitor… especially if the same publishers and developers are creating games for each platform? Logically, this means that Sony’s PlayStation 4 should feature similar restrictions as the Xbox One. Granted, Sony has not revealed all their cards yet; however, how can one console be restricted by DRM and second hand fees when the other is not? It just does not make sense.

While Microsoft has been in the line of fire from gamers across the globe… is it not time that we start focusing on the PlayStation 4 – as there is a massive possibility that the same restrictions that apply to the Xbox One may be implemented within Sony’s console.

While I may just be rambling on, it does make sense that both consoles will come with restrictions. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

Edit: LOL at the disagrees, sucks bending over for MS doesn't it Xdrones? Lol.

[hazelamy]

maybe, maybe not.

but if it is, then the same applies, they can turn that console sideways and shove it up their arse as well.

i don't care who made the machines, the only side i'm on is mine.

[joeorc]

it was and has been cleard up since feb!

Kotaku [via Maxconsole] had a few questions about the PlayStation 4 and its used game DRM as well as always-online functionality. Kotaku contacted Sony directly and a representative for Sony pointed Kotaku back to one of their own articles, reiterating statements made by Sony's top dog studio chief, Shuhei Yoshida, where Kotaku originally published this info back in February...

"At a roundtable this morning, Sony's game studios chief, Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that." (Emphasis added.) "

http://www.cinemablend.com/...

Again, Sony has over and over again stated the A: why do you think EA was at Microsoft's May 21'st event and Not at Sony's and all DLC for COD: will be timed Exclusive! what freaking incentive would it be for Sony to do that with no first choice release of DLC?

So they can still get the DLC later? when EA will still release it for the PS4, to make more money.

Sony has already Gave the freaking A: they will not require it, they will leave it up to publisher's!

And without platforms to sell software on, your software is useless, if you really think They would ignore Sony over Sony's Stance on DRM, than let me state, by saying we will keep this as a xboxone exclusive Microsoft would have to shell out large amounts of cash, Soft ware needs platforms just as much as hardware needs the software.

DLC first choice release on the xboxone would be all the incentive Sony would need to say, Go ahead release first on xboxone we can wait. Sony knows the investors of 3rd party Publisher's are not going to ignore the playstation. Unless its arcade, AAA exclusives.

Investment warrants as many platforms as you can get to get the most ROI. you cannot expect them to ignore platforms, Esp. Since both Nintendo and Sony are both saying "we can wait" can 3rd party publisher's do the same? i doubt it! they make software to sell, not hold onto.

Yoshida already confirmed it was up to the 3rd party publisher's! How much more clear do people need it to be?

[Belking]

Oh no! Fanboys don't wanna hear that. Sony would never do that..lol

[joeorc]

"Oh no! Fanboys don't wanna hear that. Sony would never do that..lol "

Just like Sony's Root kit with Music, right?

well How does it feel to see where The largest freaking Root kit went on for many year's already and these companies were all ready Data Mining?

http://www.huffingtonpost.c...

But yeah lets See Sony's stance on DRM for the PS4..oh wait a min Sony already stated their stance! back in Feb.

"At a roundtable this morning, Sony's game studios chief, Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that." (Emphasis added.) "

You really are a broken Toy Belking....LMAO

[Belking]

"Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that."

What's you're point because MS said the same thing about their games....lol They both are leaving it up to publishers. What don't you get about that.

[wheresmymonkey]

Well lets look at it this way. If Sony do the same thing, There's always Nintendo.

[joeorc]

"At a roundtable this morning, Sony's game studios chief, Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that." (Emphasis added.) "

"Yes. That's the general expectation by consumers,"

....

"They purchase physical form, they want to use it everywhere, right? So that's my expectation."

http://www.cinemablend.com/...

[jay2]

No. Sony aren't @@##656 like ms

[Sithlord-Gamble]

Difference is that Microsoft depends on 3rd party games to boost their library. Sony does not.

[Sincere0121]

Im glad I bought the Wii U. Clearly the better console this gen. Roll on E3!

[Angeljuice]

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for Sony to have the same restrictions as M$ for the simple fact that you can play the system without ever having to go online.
Ms has it locked in, every game registered, every game has to check-in.
The very worst scenario possible with Sony's model is that a fee is incurred for a game being played online after you sell it, but then if the person selling it had never been online, again it would be impossible for the machine to know the game was second-hand.
You can therefore buy, sell, lend, rent or trade any game through ANY channel and still have it play (if only offline). That is the very worst possible scenario.

Its the required internet connection and check-ins that allow Microsoft to have ultimate control over games in this way.
Why do you think people were so pissed off when it was first announced?

#DealWithIt

@patsrule316
The reason sony said that you don't have to go online is because in large parts of the world there is no/ very bad internet connection. Your solution still requires an internet connection.it is nonsensical.

[patsrule316]

"but then if the person selling it had never been online, again it would be impossible for the machine to know the game was second-hand."

Its not impossible. If they include a code in the manual that you need to go online (not on your PS4, just on the internet to a DRM website) and enter the code, and it gives a code back to you to enter the PS4 before you can play the first time, it could get blocked. Its complicated, and I am not saying they WILL do it, but it is possible. I am getting tired of seeing keeping the system permanently off-line means there cannot be DRM, because there are other ways.

[patsrule316]

What if they don't require the system to ever go on-line, but still impliment DRM? If they have a fee of 10 dollars to play a game that was used previously. Yes if the person who owned it first has NEVER gone on-line since before they installed the game, the next person would get around paying the DRM fee. But would you buy a game from a stranger if you were unwilling to pay that fee? How would you know they never went on-line? Are you willing to never going to go online again until after you beat and are done with it? Buying a used game would still be detered. Not to the extent of the Xbox one, but it would have some effect.

Not saying they WILL do it, but I expect it and hope I am wrong.

[Angeljuice]

It is agreed then, it is IMPOSSIBLE for Sony to have THE SAME restrictions as Microsoft. That was the point I made.

I totally understand what you are saying and I agree that there may be DRM restrictions on PS4, but they cannot possibly be as far-reaching as those on the Xbox One. That is all I've ever claimed.

[SpinalRemains]

If MS does it so will SONY

No. No they won't. You guys said the same thing about charging for free online and forced camera integration. Those weren't true, and neither is this.

MS has historically pioneered consumer rape and you guys continue to support it. SONY has not gone this route, instead, they give us the choice of what we want to use. PS+, or free multiplayer. Eyetoy if we want, but not necessary.

Finally, they are on record as having said that the PS4 need not be online ever and DRM is up to publishers.

Do the math. Seems MS didn't, and that's why their product is an utter disaster, destined to go all Dreamcast and Kin.

[blueduke59]

Sony has said pratically nothing about their used games policy (and no one seems upset about that). Common sense should tell you if their policy differed very much from Microsoft's they would have been yelling about it from the tallest tree. Instead they've said nothing (Curiously those that have been demanding MS fess up aren't asking Sony the same questions). Perhaps it's b/c Sony has nothing good to say? Duh

[SpinalRemains]

They have no policy. Its up to the publisher.

How can they comment on something they neither know or control.

They've told us the deal 4 times. What exactly are you confused about. The PS4 will come with no manufactured restrictions. No online required for 1p games and DRM policies are left up to publishers.

[blueduke59]

"The PlayStation 4 could be as restricted as the Xbox One"

What parts of this story don't you understand? Seriously. It certainly caught you attention as you posted in it's comments section. Show us where you and the author don't see eye to eye. Btw, unless you're working on the PS4 you don't know anymore than anyone else about it's potential restrictions.

[Angeljuice]

@Blueduke59
Or perhaps Sony has already answered those questions months ago!

[SpinalRemains]

He doesn't want to hear the truth.

He will continue saying "it could it could it could, they've been vague, it could it could".

But it won't.
It's not even as if he is explaining how it could have the same policies in place. This tells us that he knows exactly what SONY has said. He knows what they said and he is in denial. Otherwise he would have offered a reasonable response as to how SONY would implement an offline DRM.

Every SONY supporter's statements rely on facts that are verifiable, while every MS supporter's statements contain ifs and maybes.
-A 5 year old could see the difference.

Instead, he just plugs his ears and pouts because his machine of choice is going to rip him off. Id be mad too, but I wouldn't deny reality.

[josephayal]

PS4 won't block used games but its up to publishers to use it

[ceedubya9]

Personally, I feel that the only chance that Microsoft has is if Sony does something similar. Otherwise, I don't know how they thought that console gamers would be happy with this. Too many new restrictions that nobody really asked for, and the benefits don't seem to outweigh the questionable choices. Making bold, forward thinking moves like requiring your console to use high speed connection to game online (orginial xbox) is on a completely different scale to what is going on now. I can deal with most of the stuff that they are doing, but I don't like being locked out of offline portions of games due to something that could be out of my control. There is no good reason for that.

[ZeV]

No...Ps4 won't be restrictive as the xbox one...
Sony CEO says it loud and clear !

Ps4 business model will be the same as Ps3 !

[AtomicGerbil]

Yes it's possible, but what has been said suggests it will be the lesser of two evils. That being said if it does turn out that publishers are implementing the same DRM policies on PS4 games then personally I won't buy either console.

[Grindlefly]

It isn't going to happen, Sony have already stated multiple times about not having to go online etc. this repeated request to Sony to confirm what they have already confirmed is just a tactic to divert the heat away from the x1.

If publishers are applying pressure then Sony should say a big f u to them. The publishers will ultimately need Sony more than Sony will need them. Lets fast forward a year, MS have released the x1 with all the restrictions and the likes of EA, Activision etc are releasing exclusively on Microsofts console. Big problem, as can you imagine the install base that Sony will have if they follow suit as what they did with ps3? Give it a year tops of EA etc boycotting Sony, who will still have all their own studios plus have the indie scene on board too, as well as the used game market players buying the console, and these money grabbing companies will be crawling back as they will be cutting out the majority of the next gen market. Hell if it takes a year or two without playing FIFA. BF, eft then I can deal with that as, quite frankly all these 3rd party publishers have been trying to screw us over this entire generation. Half assed titles, pointless dlc, micro transactions, online passes. Before long it will be pay 1.99 to save your friggin game! It's time for all gamers to unite about this and say NO! Hell no!! Keep all your rip off tactics, your dlc, your always online. Shove it with your console built for your own agenda not for the gamers who made your company what it is today ill go to a system where gaming is the focus, where by creating a system people will enjoy the money will roll in anyway! Enough with the in house arguing surely, the ramifications of this will change the gaming landscape forever and its time to take a stand!

[Max-Zorin]

If Sony did it, there would be too many angry people.

[S2Killinit]

I hope not or else I may have to reconsider my playstation purchase.

http://www.adweek.com/files...

[justrandom]

No man ,Sony wont block used games.Sony has catered to gamers since the 1st PlayStation caring about us(obviusly for money too,its reciprocity).They cannot turn evil all of a sudden.Sony always has tried to make things better and better.Not like microsoft that,s gone for worse.
The japanes mentality is for the long run.Just think about it man-We are getting The Last Of Us this far into current generation,amazing game(havent played it yet)almos all the media are praising it.YOu would think they care about us ,dont you think?

[S2Killinit]

I have no doubt that Playstation has the best gaming support, but I just don't want to contribute to any company that wants to take our rights away so easily. I swear what is happening right now would never happen to any other industry. But we as gamers are so divided, that these corporate a55 wipes think they can push us around. I really hope Sony doesn't go the way of Microsoft. (well at least Sony still wouldn't be spying on me, but still)

[Monkeyonfire13]

Theres no way after the Microsoft debacle. They'd be digging the same grave.

[alcapwn180]

At a roundtable this morning, Sony's game studios chief, Shuhei Yoshida, told reporters that any requirement for users to register a game online in order to play it would be left to game publishers. Sony won't require that." There is your proof. http://www.cinemablend.com/... That is all. It's up to developers for things like online passes and what not. Move along. Stop thinking sony will put DRM on it

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Another one of these Articles?, Sony already said Online Isn't Required, Used Games Fee is up to the publishers/Developers and Indie Developers can self publish so how is Sony just as Restrictive?

[unicron7]

Really wish people would stop deflecting and accept reality. Sony is not making DRM mandatory....Microsoft is. Done. They've stated it several times...and yet you cover your ears. Stop it.

[gnothe1]

you guys are pityful...sony is doing the same thing they did with the PS3...thats why some early PS3 games didnt even have voice chat because sony left it up to the developer...so if the game is lacking DONT BLAME US.. an if the game has DRM DONT BLAME US... their gonna use the developers as the scape goat to their DRM policy..an when developers use the same DRM online requirement for both systems sony can sit back an say...IT WASNT OUR CALL...an if you guys think sony isnt gonna have any type of DRM on their exclusive games your crazy...sony was quick to put online passes on their games(uncharted)...MS didnt have an online pass for gears..halo or forza..but sony did for their games..so you tell me...

[justrandom]

Guess what?The online passes are for Online?right?They have to maintain the servers,I buy most of the games new anyway but i buy also used.Why am I wasting time?have o good day bye

[strifeblade]

umm - oh wait i forgot you cant play halo or forza online! and xbox has no servers to mantain so god knows why online passes are not used for msoft's top selling franchises while sony does.

[isarai]

Well they already stated it will not require online, so that alone makes it less restricted. And yeah there is quite a bit that still needs to be clarified as far as used/lending games, but with their positive reaction to the #NoDrmPS4(or whatever) campaign coupled with their public mocking of DRM in general i just don't see them going the same rout as Xbox after mocking it(DRM not MS). also seeing as how they value their online being free as a major selling point, i doubt they would change that. Now i could be wrong on all of this(it's just my opinion) and they could completely fuck it up in which case i'm just going Wii U and PC) but seeing their past history, and seeing how they treat their customers, i just don't think it'll be NEARLY as restricted as XB1, but again it's just my opinion.

[kupomogli]

Sony has admitted they've got DRM in place, but nothing that hasn't been available on the PS3. Registration codes are the only DRM that Sony has, and it's been used on the PS3 to block out content on games.

Remember Alice 2? The first game is on disc as well, but locked out unless you use the "online pass."

So Sony has stated that the DRM isn't going to be at a console level, meaning that every developer who does such will be doing it on their own. Most developers don't have the balls to do it. Most developers don't sell enough games to go through with the backlash anyways.

So very few developers but the big name ones are really going to go through with it if they do.

People are saying just because Sony is similar to the Xbox One being it's the same generation console. The Wii U has no restrictive DRM outside of online passes. Developers could lock games on the Wii U if they wished as well. Maybe it will happen, but more than likely it would have already happened.

How about the Vita? Sony's next gen portable. It just came out a year ago. You'd think they'd add DRM to it, and no, not Death Ray Manta, but actual DRM if they were interested in doing this type of thing.

No one knows what's going to happen, but Playstation fans can make a good argument that it won't be as restrictive as on Xbox One, while Xbox fans are going to try and push the issue with nothing to really back it up other than. "The Xbox One does it and the PS4 is also next gen so it's going to do it too."

[kupomogli]

One thing I have to ask though. Why do people feel the need to be vested in a console that isn't already out?

You have yet to pay for the Xbox One and PS4. So why don't you make your opinion on the information already released? Why try to defend one console which is clearly not the way to go if you want to keep your rights over being a Xbox fanboy just because you owned the previous system?

I don't see how you can't care about the faults of a console just because you want your preferred brand to win so badly. It's just a console.