Sony applies for RFID DRM patent that would block used games

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Gannu

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Sony has applied for a patent on a hardware-based DRM technology that would let the company block second-hand games. Filed last September, the application (PDF) hadn't been published until this week and it's unclear if or when the patent will be awarded. The document outlines an "electronic content processing system, electronic content processing method, package of electronic content, and use permission apparatus" that "reliably restricts the use of electronic content dealt in the second-hand markets."

To accomplish that, Sony would outfit its retail game discs with radiofrequency tags and programmable memory chips. When inserted into a system, the disc would wirelessly collect unique information about the console. If someone attempted to play it on a different machine, the identifying data stored on the disc wouldn't line up and some form of block would be imposed, though the details are slim here.
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Patent - http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20130007892.pdf

Source - Sony applies for RFID DRM patent that would block used games - TechSpot

This would be a terrible move if something of this sort is implemented in the upcoming eighth-gen consoles! :(
 
^^ Yes, most people use forums like IVG to buy used games, because of premium prices for PS3 games. If something like this happens, it would affect their sale and they knew it. So hope they will not do something stupid like that.
 
They better drastically reduce the prices of the next generation console games if they want to go ahead with this. Or they will be finished.
 
Would be a awful move especially for value forging souls like us.How can you justify paying 4 k for a game which has a playability of 12 hours?
 
For all we care, this patent may not be awarded at all. :p

There is a huge market for the used titles. Although services like Gamestop and Play N Trade aren’t popular in India as much as it is in the US, we still rely on ebay and online forums for the trades of used copies. Developers and publishers do not earn a penny by the sale of used titles after the first consumer passes it on to the next and lose as much as 40 to 60 USD for each title. But if this happens, they should be prepared to sell the titles for cheap (think GTA IV and The Orange Box) else face losses down the line. I just hope it doesn’t.
 
rajkumar_pb said:
^^ Yes, most people use forums like IVG to buy used games, because of premium prices for PS3 games. If something like this happens, it would affect their sale and they knew it. So hope they will not do something stupid like that.
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IMO this is entirely possible given Nintendo has started region locking their controllers ! :lol:

Jambumali said:
One should never underestimate the stupidity quotient;)
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Lol, true.

RD274 said:
Just one more reason to force people to shift to CFW. Well done Sony.
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+1.
 
I know many guys who would prefer not to play the game then spend tons for it. Also Sony can choose to do what they want, our response should be lets move to XBOX :bleh:.
 
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