I don't think so.
The prelim DevKits for the Next-Gen systems don't appear to have any special firmware that would prevent it from playing any specific disc, and the suppliers memo they sent with them didn't mention anything about it.
Honestly, though, I don't see how they could block used games. They can "physically" do it, sure, but not logistically. A vast majority of Gamers buy new $60 Xbox 360/PS3 games by trading in the other ones they bought to lower the price of it. Getting rid of that venue will see sales plummet and recreate 1983 all over again.
Regardless of what Publishers/Developers want to say, they make a killing on the Rental business, especially through companies like GameFly and the like. Given the facts above and the impending implosion of the Gaming market if Used Games were blocked, I see the probability of this happening as very very low.
Of course, it could happen, anything is possible after all. They could send a new memo requiring that each game be coded to use an Activation Code similar to PC Games, but I truly don't believe that will happen.
Well, I guess it depends on how DRM crazy consoles get. It seems the more the publishers push that, the more honest customers get screwed and turn into dishonest customers.
ReplyDeleteIt's more likely they'd make a console that only allow's games to be purchased online (digitally); though I think it's too soon for that sort of thing, and a lot of people prefer games to be in physical form, including me. However if Valve were to make a "Steam" console, I think that would be an intriguing idea
ReplyDeleteGaming companies don't seem to take into account Bandwidth issues. A lot of ISP's CAP their users' internet so that they can only use so much bandwidth (sometimes it's 100GB, others it's 250GB, etc.) and having to download 9GB-50GB games will not only be extremely slow but eat up that bandwidth very quickly.
DeleteFirst of all, holy crap I gotta check my ISP for capped usage. What happens if you go over? Do they charge you more or do they just cut you off for the rest of that cycle? I've heard of cell phone companies doing this, but damn...
ReplyDeleteEdit: yea man what a load of crap, I think i'm gonna switch companies. 150GB cap is not future proof, and it's likely AT&T wont raise it accordingly.
Secondly, bandwidth issues are getting smaller everyday. If there's not a console this gen that focuses almost exclusively on the digital market, then it might be out next gen, or the next; bearing in mind the ISP's give us some leniency.
You have to check with your ISP and ask if they cap you to find out, more and more are starting to cap now which is horrible.
Delete