The rumor that the next-generation PlayStation won’t be able to play used games has resurfaced after a patent application from Sony was published this month. The patent outlines a method that would require an “always-on” internet connection for verification, according to gaming blog Kotaku.com, who leaked the rumor of the details back in March.
The technology would likely use an radio-frequency identification system (RFID tags) on each disc and use a verification system that would limit them to a single console. Such a restriction would kill the ability to bring a game to a friends house and play on their system, but the possible change could have a larger effect on the economy of used games as well.
Breaking Down PlayStation News & Rumors
After hearing the news of the patent application from Sony, GameStop, the world’s largest video game retailers, stock (GME) fell 5% on the same day, according to a Yahoo! Finance report. This type of speculation isn’t new, as the same rumor lingered the release of the PlayStation 3 in 2006, but the threat is enough to damage confidence in a company that revolves around buying and re-selling games from the public.
So what does this mean for the consumer? In other words, YOU!
Well, the first step isn’t to panic because the patent could be misleading. Gaming industry analyst for Wedbush Securities Michael Pachter reached out to GameStop investors to downplay Sony’s action on the patent.
“Sony benefits little from a unilateral decision to block games,” he said in his note to investors. He continued to say that the technology is in place for individual game developers to use if they choose to restrict their titles to a single console, but they would be foolish to do so due to consumer backlash.”
More News & More Rumors
Alright, that’s mildly reassuring, but let’s say the patent isn’t misleading and kills used games for PlayStation. That’s fine for the newest version of Call of Duty, but what about older games that no longer produce new copies?
The long term effects might not just hinder GameStop either. Big box retail stores like Best Buy have also adopted trade-in and buy back programs that help make new games more affordable. That means that not only can’t you purchase a used title, but you’ll also be paying a full price for new ones. The economy around used games could also suffer as well. Online guides from IGN and Mademan manuals are popular for used games just like they are for new ones.
The silver lining with all of this is that these are still just rumors — and likely not the last of them. What Pachter says about the industry does make a lot of sense, so until Sony confirms any of this, there’s no need to panic.