Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

MS Seeks Entrance Fee to XBox Accessory Market

Posted by timothy on from the hey-they-build-the-playground dept.

pwnage writes "According to CNET, Microsoft's newest licensing model for the next-generation XBox will effectively lock out 3rd-party accessory manufacturers who don't enroll in Microsoft's licensing and royalty program. The new console will employ hardware security mechanisms to ensure that only products created by developers willing to fork over cash to Microsoft can connect to and work with the console. Is Microsoft shooting itself in the foot by making traditional 'approved product' licensing mandatory for 3rd-party developers? Or will companies line up by the dozens to tithe to King Bill? Finally, will Sony follow a similar strategy to eke additional revenues out of its PlayStation 3?"

6 of 385 comments (clear)

  1. Just Imagine by denissmith · · Score: 5, Funny

    Imagine the possibilities! Sony, and Samsung and RCA and Toshiba and (everyone else) can charge Hollywood studios to be able to play their Movies on my TV, DVD and VCR. DRM we can truly love! But the irony would be sweet.

    --
    I have nothing to hide. So, why are you spying on me?
    1. Re:Just Imagine by LordPhantom · · Score: 5, Funny

      But why stop there? I think it would be great if -everything- had DRM equivalents. For example: *Gasoline Nanobots - If you want your car to work with OUR gas, you must pay us HOMAGE or our nano-bots will tear apart your precious engines! muwaa haaa haa *Life Presevers - Pay us our monthly "life fee" or your preservers, rafts and other saftey gear will cease to function, courtesy of our "Rights Protection Satelite" *Toilet Paper - Your rear will know fear if you don't pay our fees - talk about an UNSIGHTLY rash. *gah*

    2. Re:Just Imagine by zxnos · · Score: 5, Funny

      umm, just buy a macintosh... :P

      --
      always mosh clockwise
  2. Companies will pay by UMhydrogen · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I think with the success of the original XBox and the way that things are looking for the XBox 360 companies will fork up the money to do it. Just look at Apple's strategy. It keeps only high quality products being created. This will ensure that the XBox stays a hot product and will also ensure that people aren't exploiting the XBox. I think it's a good move.

  3. Nintendo had something similar by The+Hobo · · Score: 5, Informative

    The NES "lockout chip"

    Patent 1

    Patent 2
    Disabling the chip

    --
    There is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men. -- Boondock Saints
  4. Given Sony's History... by pr0t0 · · Score: 5, Informative

    After paying $50+ for the Everquest2 game, then $15 a month for the privelege of actually using the game, then finding out that Sony wanted a piece of the action on items sold in Station Exchange auctions...I got an idea of how Sony treats its customers. I'm sure they are elated that MS took this step, now they can treat 3rd party vendors the same way.

    Am I bitter? Oh, a tad.

    I've since moved to Guildwars. It's possibly the best RPG game I've ever played.

    --
    I'm sorry, but your opinion seems to be wrong.