New Sony Patent Blocks Second-hand Games

silentbrad writes in with a story about a Sony patent that would block the playing of second-hand games. "... the patent application was filed on 9 December 2012 by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, and will work by linking individual game discs to a user's account without requiring a network connection meaning any future attempt to use this disc on another user's console won't work. The patent explains that games will come with contactless tags that will be read by your console in much the same way as modern bank cards. When a disc is first used, the disc ID and player ID will be stored on the tag. Every time the disc is used in future, the tag will check if the two ID's match up and, if not, then the disc won't work. The document goes on to explain that such a device is part of Sony's ongoing efforts to deter second-hand games sales, and is a far simpler solution than always-on DRM or passwords. It's worth noting that Sony has not confirmed the existence of the device, and the patent doesn't state what machine it will be used in, with later paragraphs also mentioning accessories and peripherals. ... There's also the issue of what happens should your console break and need replacing, or if you have more than one console. Will the games be linked to your PSN account, meaning they can still be used, or the console, meaning an entire new library of titles would need to be purchased?"

Comments

Sony shiting on its customers

[Anonymous Coward]

...customers do not (want to) know it and continue buying from these assholes.

Well, have a very nice fuck you year Sony.

Re:Sony shiting on its customers

[Lonewolf666]

Indeed. Sony is one of currently three companies I would not buy any digital equipment or software from (the other two are Apple and Activision Blizzard).

The rootkit on audio CDs and the deletion of Linux support from the PS3 are not forgotten. The patent in the article is only proof the thinking at Sony hasn't changed, it is not a new trend.

Obvious Solution

[Anonymous Coward]

Just don't buy anything by Sony.

Re:Obvious Solution

[MickyTheIdiot]

Actually, yes, it is possible. In the e-book market there are books that are now prominently promoting the fact that they are DRM free as a selling point.

If this occurs in the tight assed corporate game market it will take a while, as the customers are more oblivious... but wait until Joe Sixpack from Alabama gets bit by this a few times and you'll see the Ric Romeros of the world start to pick up on it.

Patents work for once!

[Cryacin]

So the competition will be less tempted to steal their IP, and I as well as surely many others can take their business to them!

Officially, screw you Sony. I will never, ever, over my dead body buy another product from you, or an affiliated company.

And to their patent lawyers, please, I beg you - Make the patent watertight.