Wed, Feb 06, 2013 | 15:57 GMT
Xbox 720 games tethered to one console, require online code activation – report
Xbox 720 games will require online activation via bundled codes, in a bid to combat piracy of physical titles. This fresh claim comes from the pages of EDGE, which states it has spoken with sources at the heart of the matter. We’ll believe it when we see it of course, but the evidence – as always – is yours to judge for yourself.
The EDGE, the report comes from what it calls, “sources with first-hand experience of Microsoft’s next generation console.”
The piece states that Xbox 720 titles will come on 50GB Blu-Ray discs that will use activation codes” over Xbox Live.
It’s a new form of authentication they say, one that will render discs with “no function beyond the initial users”, essentially blocking the possibility of pre-owned re-sale. Digital versions of games will also be made available over Xbox Live.
This stacks up with what VG247 has heard from our own sources back in April. We’ve heard that the console will launch in time for Christmas 2013, will include Blu-Ray drive and will require an always-on net connection to authenticate titles. Read our full report on the matter here.
The report follows claims that PS4 will use NFC tech to scan and lock games to a single console. We reported on the tech patents here.
Pre-owned does dent software sales, but on the other hand consumers are used to having rights that allow them to re-sell their purchases. What do you make of the conundrum?
152 comments
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#151
orakaa
07/02/13, 12:34 pm
What is sure is that this practice (IF true) would kill all games that are not a “sure buy”.
You buy a game but you don’t like it? You re-sell it (risk is there, but the loss is minimum). Oh, wait, you can’t re-sell it? Well, if you’re not sure about it, are you really going to pay 60$ for it, knowing that if you don’t like the game you won’t get ANYTHING out of it?
That would mean higher risk for new IPs, and an even stronger focus than today on COD/sequels.
I’m a gamer since as far as I can remember, and I’ve always been an early adopter, buying new consoles quite early in their life cycle… but seriously, this whole thing turns me completely off, to the point where I’m not even sure if I’ll buy a next gen console.
Might as well focus on PS3 games I’ve missed so far, perhaps buy a WiiU and return to PC gaming.
#152
DrDamn
07/02/13, 12:42 pm
@151
I think there will be a strengthening and emergence of premium XBLA/PSN titles. Stuff in the £20-£30 range. The current model has new games releasing at £45/$60, regardless of AAA qualities, dev costs, content. It’s a game therefore it sells for that amount.
With a digital the distribution/manufacturing costs are better suited to niche and smaller titles. The ones which do badly under the current model. They can release at £20-£30 and people will take a punt on them. Where previously you might spend £40-45 on the these titles and sell them on for £20 you now just spend £20-£30 on them. Similar outlay, similar risk.
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