Day 20: Sony Takes a Turn For the Worse

Sony:

"We are always evaluating new programs for our online offering, and starting with Resistance 3 this September, we will be instituting a network pass program for PS3 games with online capabilities. This program will be game-specific. Games that are a part of this program will include a single-use registration code that grants the account holder redeeming the code full online access for that title. This is an important initiative as it allows us to accelerate our commitment to enhancing premium online services across our first party game portfolio." 

Me:

I'm disappointed in you Sony. However, I'm willing to reserve my judgement until after this plan gets enacted. After all this could be some positive initiative but most likely this is going to be exactly like EA's Online Pass system. 


What does that mean? When you buy a game you should be able to hop into single player or multiplayer without issue right? Not anymore, now you have to enter a code that comes with the game to attain the credentials to play the damn game you just bought. Now, if you bought it new then you only get one code so only one account can access all of the game. If you bought the game used then you get no code at all and need to purchase a new one online for ~$10. What if you have multiple consoles or multiple accounts on one console but want to play the game on all of them? EA says, "Pay us $10 each or go fuck yourself". THQ is starting to jump on that bandwagon too and now Sony.


DON'T try to rationalize this bullshit. Publishers want more money from the used game market so their first response is to add DRM or limit access to their customers? Bullshit! Don't take your frustration out on the customers who are keeping you motherfuckers in business. Think harder and try to find a method that harms GameStop rather than customers because as it is right now the markup on used games is exactly the same. The only difference is customers pay $60 and get less money back while GameStop will still use the same markup and make just as much profit. Hell, I'm even more tempted to buy games used if you add these 'Online Passes' to games. Why? Because if the game was so fucking special you wouldn't prevent customers from accessing it without paying you twice.


Come on, Sony! You used to be cool!