Do you want to share?
Do you like this article?
Things are heating up, with the 20th of February just around the
corner. If you’re not aware yet, that date is when Sony is supposed to
make official announcements about the PlayStation 4,
something that many a gamer has been waiting for. Maybe, we’ll finally
know whether the rumors about the lower PlayStation 4 price point are
true. Rumors about Microsoft’s new Xbox also abound, as is always the
case when the next generation gaming consoles are about to be released.
Along with the usual speculation about release dates, hardware
specifications, and price tags, there is a bit information that is
making gamers – and retailers – edgy: the possibility of the next
generation consoles blocking used games.
We can’t deny that piracy is a big issue even in the gaming sector.
The prevalence of modded consoles is no secret, and it is but
understandable that game developers and console manufacturers do
something about that. Not allowing the use of pre-owned games is a
totally different story.
Gamers, analysts, and their moms (yeah, there are moms who are truly
into video games) have been throwing the question around: Are Sony and
Microsoft really going to take measures against used games?
The implications
To make things clear, this rumor basically means that you cannot go
to your favorite video game store, buy a pre-owned game at a massive
discount, and use it on the next generation gaming console. This also
means that, after you’ve finished playing God of War Ascension,
for example, and you want your best bud to enjoy it as well without him
having to buy a new copy, you’re out of luck. Rather, he is out of
luck.
Another detail that has been brought up is that the new Xbox, at least, will require an Internet connection in order to function.
The way it will work, according to the rumors, is that gamers will have
to connect to the Internet to unlock the serial number associated with
the game. In effect, you won’t be able to use the game on another
device. While a little different, this reminds me of that hardcore Nintendo fan who lost games worth $400 when he switched from the Wii to the Wii U.
The only thing that’s permanent is change
Or so the saying goes. If Sony and Microsoft do make this huge
change, then the video game sector will be rocked to its roots. And
there will be many unhappy campers.
[Images via technologyjinn] Author : Noemi
