PS4’s used game policy isn’t “because some other company is doing something”

The most dramatic moment of this year's E3 (and any E3 for the past few years, arguably) came when Sony's Jack Tretton took a jab at Microsoft's game licensing policies live on the press conference stage, forcefully declaring that disc-based games would work just like they always have on the PS4. But even though Sony's policies were marketed as a sharp contrast to Microsoft's, Sony President of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida said the decision was not made as a direct response. In fact, it was set in stone well before any Microsoft announcement.

[WolfOfDarkness]

That's why Sony is Entertainment giant .

[Mikelarry]

lol at the disagrees blinded xbox fansboys you can disagree from now till the xbox two. sony has already won this generation the big wigs dont care about giving you what you want, and if your wants dont directly match theirs they say " weve got a product for you its called the xbox 360" he don mattrick said that so dont be mad at me

[Gigaguy777]

*Sees 3 disagrees, declares fanboy-ism*
Calm down dude, they're probably just disagreeing because as large as Sony is, Microsoft is even more massive, ever heard of Windows? Yeah...

[georgeenoob]

@Mikel

Lol the dude has 16 agrees and 5 disagrees and you're going to make a comment about disagrees and fanboys? Wow, you must be a fanboy yourself.

Not 100% is going to agree with ANYTHING, especially if it involves two competing companies

[Why o why]

So what you saying giga....sony aren't an entertainment giant?.....nobody said the biggest or best so what really is there to disagree with. They're big in music, movies and games plus they manufacturer of the vessels to provide those said entertainments.

May not be fanboys disagreeing but after what's transpired over the past few weeks, many 'people' are on vex mode.... Some are acting annoyed especially those predicting sony would follow suit....even now people are still grouping the two company's polices together. Either way a disagree isn't anything to get annoyed about but neither is highlighting them I guess.

[FalconR289]

@Mikelarry-Stupid is as stupid does.

[Sovereign59]

Are people really not paying attention? I'm not defending Microsoft at all, there are TONS of things I hate about the Xbox One, and the PS4 is definitely the superior machine, but the fact still remains: Sony and Microsoft are taking the same stance on used games. They are BOTH leaving it up to the publishers to decide whether or not a game will have a used game fee. We look like ignorant sheep when we praise one console's stance on used games over the other when the truth is that both of them have the SAME policy, Sony just has much better PR.

[Virtual_Reality]

And yet in the PS4 can play single player games even with the fee on it and not being connected at all.

[Sovereign59]

@Virtual_Reality: What are you saying? I think you're commenting on the PS4's nonmandatory internet connection. This is something I love about the PS4 and another reason I believe it to be the superior machine, but this is irrelevant, the discussion at hand is used game fees.

[lsujester]

They may have the same stance in leaving it up to the publishers to impose a fee, but only MS is blocking me from buying an eBay game or shutting down my console if it doesn't "check in".

While I have no doubt both companies would rather you buy your game new, only one of them is trying to force you to.

I may be in the minority, but I own a 360 that I keep offline. I have it hooked up to my monitor and play rented games on it. Most of these are games that I would never buy. I'm sure MS and publishers don't like that, but as they wouldn't be getting money from me anyway, I really don't care. And now the Xbox One is trying to take that away from me. I, therefore, will not be buying it.

BTW, I do buy games new. I have a PS3 and own 30 or so games. But I can't buy every single game that comes out, so I have to be picky.

[Why o why]

No sovereign, ms are not leaving it up to the developer. They are blocking them regardless. Where have you been. You cant lend or borrow... thats not the devs, thats microsoft

"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...

[Ipunchbabiesforfun]

Same policy? laughable. Good luck loaning a game to a friend

[iceman06]

We all know that there has been a mandate of sorts from publishers to gouge more money from consumers. Yes, the policy on used games may seem the same. However, it's in the implementation of the policy. MS has stated that they are "leaving it up to the devs", while instituting a mandatory check of your games catalog within their own policy. PS4, on the other hand, have no policy driven push. They are simply saying that devs have the right, as they do with online passes, to put multiplayer behind some pay wall. Also, you have to use MS specified retailers to even trade MS games (whenever they decide to implement that). While Sony just says...trade it. MS will be able to control the used game market by not allowing direct competition. In the end, it's about implementation of a policy and consumer fairness in the midst of a policy that tries to strip that away.

[green-cigarettes]

Great article. I love how Sony's people aren't cocky about anything and they actually care about their customers. Can't say the same about the other guys unfortunately. I really wanted to eventually get an Xbox One since I skipped the 360 but now I guess i might have to get a 360 when is way cheaper.
Anyways, really looking forward to the PS4. The only problem I have with it is that is not out now haha

[Godmars290]

Besides the prices of their console about eight years age...

And even back then they were thinking about their customers. Had weighed the price of a game console versus a standalone BR player, took $200 hit, and took heat for it for years.

[green-cigarettes]

Exactly... 8 years ago and to be honest, the PS3 was a very well made console and very powerful. I bought it when it launched and didnt regret it not even once. I know I'm not the only one. Plus it was 599$ and nothing more. For the 360 you had to add other stuff in order to make it the same which is why I originally chose the PS3.

[vitullo31]

at least the ps3 had wifi at launch (extra $100 for the 360) and playing online was still free, how about the hd dvd player add on.. $200 extra for the 360 ..id say the ps3 was still worth it at 599

[MasterCornholio]

Sonys businesses model is to obtain good sales by satisfying their customers with their products. This is a method that I highly approve.

Motorola RAZR i

[Majin-vegeta]

Sony is run by gamers for gamers.I bet KAZ,Jack Shuehi all game online and demolish xD.

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

MS tried to ruin the console gaming industry
Sony saved the console gaming industry

That is now a fact.

[BlackTar187]

a little extreme

[AyKKon]

This... has to be THE most idiotic comment I EVER seen on this site. Period. Sony is playing catch up now "charging" for multiplayer play. In fact, they have been playing catch up, although they seem to finaly have. Their 100 less price is a HUGE advantage but it doesnt make me forget the fact that they also for years have tried to shove proprietary accessories down my throat. Vita memory cards anyone?

Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo. Who cares who it is: they just want your MONEY!

So yeah, they're doing a very good job at "pretending" they're the good guys. And everyone is falling for it. Just never forget what EVERY single playstation fan always shouted to Xbox fans: "You pay for multiplayer. Ours is FREE and always will be!"

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

Shhh..just relax, it'll be over soon.

[WolfOfDarkness]

You Said " Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo. Who cares who it is: they just want your MONEY! " True , and I am willing to give my money to Sony because they give a better products , costumer services and care . I am loyal to them , I am there CUSTOMER !

You can't give your Money to McDonnell's and Burger King at the same time ! You have to chose which one you like .

Raise Sony Raise .

[Ipunchbabiesforfun]

"Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo. Who cares who it is: they just want your MONEY!"

what do you mean they want my money!??? That's preposterous!!

[WolfOfDarkness]

True , just imagin what will happen if Sony used DRM on PS4 ?! I guess all of us will be depressed , but Thanks God ...Sony gave MS the midlle finger . This what I love about Sony ! They hear and listen to the end user , NOT only in the gaming business , in all of there divisions . Again , Sony is a Samrt entertainment gaint .

I have Sony TV... Sony Mobile. And ... Sony gaming console . And Sony. Is about qualities not quantities .

Thank You Sony , I will Never Ever forget playing Tekken and RageRacer with my friends on PS1 .

[brianunfried]

Microsoft has become a cancerous tumor on the gaming industry.

[BattleTorn]

Beavis and butthead in the same thread!! (See comment #3)

[MasterCornholio]

Butt head is that you?

Motorola RAZR i

[brianunfried]

Settle down Beavis!

[thebudgetgamer]

I couldn't care less why they did it, the fact that they are is all I care about.