PlayStation 3 Region Free – Blocks Used Game Use
Comments down under hint at global software.
It looks as though Australia’s recent legalisation of mod-chips might see the PlayStation 3 free from region-locked hardware, with comments from an executive at the firm today offering the strongest hint at a significant policy shift.
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia managing director, Michael Ephraim, said the company was unlikely to continue the policy of region-locked consoles as international television standards emerge. Speaking to the Australia IT News service he said, "If you look at the fact that it will support high-definition TV, which will be a global standard, there's a good likelihood that it will be global region, as for example we've done with the PSP."
In related news, rumour flared overnight that the PlayStation 3 would prevent the use of used software, with technologies patented by SCEI’s Ken Kutaragi and team set to read, store and delete security codes on a per-disc, per machine basis.
Registered with Japan’s patent office, the concept would see each game disc individually encoded. Upon being played for the first time, the host hardware would store then delete from the disc the security codes required for registering the software with the console.
It is thought highly unlikely that the PlayStation 3 will see this technology implemented, though it is thought that platform holders have held talks about moving as one against region-locking, anti-piracy and used games issues impacting upon their businesses.
Sony Computer Entertainment Australia managing director, Michael Ephraim, said the company was unlikely to continue the policy of region-locked consoles as international television standards emerge. Speaking to the Australia IT News service he said, "If you look at the fact that it will support high-definition TV, which will be a global standard, there's a good likelihood that it will be global region, as for example we've done with the PSP."
In related news, rumour flared overnight that the PlayStation 3 would prevent the use of used software, with technologies patented by SCEI’s Ken Kutaragi and team set to read, store and delete security codes on a per-disc, per machine basis.
Registered with Japan’s patent office, the concept would see each game disc individually encoded. Upon being played for the first time, the host hardware would store then delete from the disc the security codes required for registering the software with the console.
It is thought highly unlikely that the PlayStation 3 will see this technology implemented, though it is thought that platform holders have held talks about moving as one against region-locking, anti-piracy and used games issues impacting upon their businesses.
Companies:
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Comments
king skins 8 Nov 2005 17:17
1/15
Region free would be cool
Disc Encoding would be s**t
What would happen if your PS3 broke and you had to buy anotherone, would you have to buy all your games again?
One of the things I did a lot when I was only a little boy was to swap games with other kids cos I was poor and could only afford to get one a year and then maybe one for Christmas or my birthday.
I've bought quite a few second hand games lately, but they have all been the games that I'm not sure I would like and so I wouldn't pay £40 for.
Paying £10-£20 on a game that turns out s**t is not so bad, but £40, I'm not gonna buy a game unless I know I'm gonna like it. Games are to expensive
Disc Encoding would be s**t
What would happen if your PS3 broke and you had to buy anotherone, would you have to buy all your games again?
One of the things I did a lot when I was only a little boy was to swap games with other kids cos I was poor and could only afford to get one a year and then maybe one for Christmas or my birthday.
I've bought quite a few second hand games lately, but they have all been the games that I'm not sure I would like and so I wouldn't pay £40 for.
Paying £10-£20 on a game that turns out s**t is not so bad, but £40, I'm not gonna buy a game unless I know I'm gonna like it. Games are to expensive
VastikRoot 8 Nov 2005 17:29
2/15
Wow, disc encoding would suck on so many levels it's not even funny.
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BlackEyedFish 8 Nov 2005 18:17
3/15
If disc locking was used, it would just make people work faster on the modchips, to get around the problem. If I were planning to buy a PS3 it would just encourage me to get a modhip and not buy any games at all.
Just like micro$oft banning me from Xbox Live made me stop buying games from them.
Just like micro$oft banning me from Xbox Live made me stop buying games from them.
YenRug 8 Nov 2005 22:11
4/15
Disc encoding/locking would also rule out taking your games to play at a friend's place.
YenRug 8 Nov 2005 22:11
5/15
Disc encoding/locking would also rule out taking your games to play at a friend's place.
soanso 8 Nov 2005 23:30
6/15
Folk always talk about games being ANTIsocial and all that guff.
I've made more friends out of playing games and SWAPPING games than out of following football, bands, whatever.
I always saw swapping as a fundamental part of playing games and in more recent times it has been buying and selling games.
But big bastard sony doesn't want us to do these things. They want to control everything about how we use OUR games consoles.
Nintendo tried that in the early 90's.
It cost them their market leader status.
And quite right too.
I hope it does the same to anyone who tries it again.
I've made more friends out of playing games and SWAPPING games than out of following football, bands, whatever.
I always saw swapping as a fundamental part of playing games and in more recent times it has been buying and selling games.
But big bastard sony doesn't want us to do these things. They want to control everything about how we use OUR games consoles.
Nintendo tried that in the early 90's.
It cost them their market leader status.
And quite right too.
I hope it does the same to anyone who tries it again.
config 9 Nov 2005 10:23
7/15
Two issues with disc encoding are immediately obvious;
It would cause some real problems for reviewers. Here at SPOnG we have an archive of every game we've received from publishers, most of which are retail copies (sans retail packaging for PS1/2). If these were single-console affinity and we gave them first run in the office, the games would be useless to reviewers wishing to take games home for a full grilling. The flip side being that the reviewer plays the game first, after which it's useless in the office. Shipping multiple debug consoles to all publications - one for the office and one for each reviewer - isn't going to happen, and I can't imagine publishers wanting to run separate duplication runs to create an agnostic batch for reviews and another with an affinity to single consoles.
However, there's a bigger issue. Given that many consumers in the used software market are there because they can't afford new product - or don't feel a product is worth it's RRP - this is surely going to push those people down the road to piracy.
I really think this is a non-starter - or a platform killer.
It would cause some real problems for reviewers. Here at SPOnG we have an archive of every game we've received from publishers, most of which are retail copies (sans retail packaging for PS1/2). If these were single-console affinity and we gave them first run in the office, the games would be useless to reviewers wishing to take games home for a full grilling. The flip side being that the reviewer plays the game first, after which it's useless in the office. Shipping multiple debug consoles to all publications - one for the office and one for each reviewer - isn't going to happen, and I can't imagine publishers wanting to run separate duplication runs to create an agnostic batch for reviews and another with an affinity to single consoles.
However, there's a bigger issue. Given that many consumers in the used software market are there because they can't afford new product - or don't feel a product is worth it's RRP - this is surely going to push those people down the road to piracy.
I really think this is a non-starter - or a platform killer.
Falien 9 Nov 2005 11:03
8/15
I applaud any decision for region-free marketing, since region lockouts have solved none of the problems they were supposed to, while at the same time creating new ones. Good news if it happens... but hold on! Sony obiously can't have just good news for their loyal original-game-buying public (i.e. us "suckers") out there, they have to stab us in the back at the same time!
What's this idiocy with disc-encoding?!? It's so totally wrong, obvious and IDIOTIC: why don't they just say "Hey guys, we realized that we can make even more money out of you, so here you go: a used game prevention method for you!!!" Apart from all the valid points the other posters mentioned, I'd also like to add that I regularly buy bargain-priced software from major retailers like Play.com, and sometimes the games are obviously used- the case is not sealed and there are minor blemishes on the disc surface. I don't mind this, since I am paying a fraction of the game's RRP and I have never had any trouble playing the games, but if there's a disc-lock feature, it's reasonable to assume that many of there bargains will be gone!
Also, a disc-encoding system would probably be a snap to get around using a mod-chip, so in the end the only people who stand to benefit from this absurdity will be mod-chip makers and users of pirated copies, while us legal gamers will be inconvenienced no end!
Mr. Kutaragi, with all due respect, have you perhaps considered lower retail prices for games as a means to fight piracy, or is that too radical an idea for you?!? If it is, then what next? A fingerprint or retinal scan-based per PERSON encoding system?!?
Really, now...
What's this idiocy with disc-encoding?!? It's so totally wrong, obvious and IDIOTIC: why don't they just say "Hey guys, we realized that we can make even more money out of you, so here you go: a used game prevention method for you!!!" Apart from all the valid points the other posters mentioned, I'd also like to add that I regularly buy bargain-priced software from major retailers like Play.com, and sometimes the games are obviously used- the case is not sealed and there are minor blemishes on the disc surface. I don't mind this, since I am paying a fraction of the game's RRP and I have never had any trouble playing the games, but if there's a disc-lock feature, it's reasonable to assume that many of there bargains will be gone!
Also, a disc-encoding system would probably be a snap to get around using a mod-chip, so in the end the only people who stand to benefit from this absurdity will be mod-chip makers and users of pirated copies, while us legal gamers will be inconvenienced no end!
Mr. Kutaragi, with all due respect, have you perhaps considered lower retail prices for games as a means to fight piracy, or is that too radical an idea for you?!? If it is, then what next? A fingerprint or retinal scan-based per PERSON encoding system?!?
Really, now...
Skirrow 9 Nov 2005 20:57
9/15
I have no problem with the region free issue. BUT i see a HUGE problem with the disc encoding thing.
As has already been pointed out. What happens if you PS3 breaks? You cant just go out and buy a new one. Coz when you get it home you wont be able to play any of the games you have. You would have to buy the games again. The only way round it would be to have Sony themselves repair the console. But what happens if the serial number data on the console is fried? Sony wont help you there.
You'd have a similar issue if you have more than one PS3. I.E you bought 2 to stop the kids fighting over it. You'd then have to get 2 of each game to shut them up.
You wouldnt get Blockbuster or whoever renting games either. So no more try before you buy.
This issue in itself would stop me from buying a PS3 for definite
As has already been pointed out. What happens if you PS3 breaks? You cant just go out and buy a new one. Coz when you get it home you wont be able to play any of the games you have. You would have to buy the games again. The only way round it would be to have Sony themselves repair the console. But what happens if the serial number data on the console is fried? Sony wont help you there.
You'd have a similar issue if you have more than one PS3. I.E you bought 2 to stop the kids fighting over it. You'd then have to get 2 of each game to shut them up.
You wouldnt get Blockbuster or whoever renting games either. So no more try before you buy.
This issue in itself would stop me from buying a PS3 for definite
Joji 10 Nov 2005 04:45
10/15
I agree Skirrow. If Sony go ahead with this I won't be buying PS3 and I'm sure many other gamers won't either. I think Sony are letting that industry power they have go to their head.
Perhaps it's a move to stop the emerging second hand market in japan, more than abroad but either way it's a major turn off that could easily put the nail in Sony's console coffin.
Look like its 360 and Rev for me then. Sony must think we are all damn pimps with money to burn or something. Many gamers are piss poor students etc.
Go to hell for sure if you are gonna do this crap, Sony.
Perhaps it's a move to stop the emerging second hand market in japan, more than abroad but either way it's a major turn off that could easily put the nail in Sony's console coffin.
Look like its 360 and Rev for me then. Sony must think we are all damn pimps with money to burn or something. Many gamers are piss poor students etc.
Go to hell for sure if you are gonna do this crap, Sony.
tyrion 10 Nov 2005 08:34
11/15
I think this disk locking is unlikely to happen in the PS3. The patent has just been filed, it will take a while to get the technology up to scratch.
Another big reason it probably won't happen is that it requires re-writing the disk. Can you imagine the opportunities for piracy if Sony put a BD-RW drive in the PS3??!?!?
Another big reason it probably won't happen is that it requires re-writing the disk. Can you imagine the opportunities for piracy if Sony put a BD-RW drive in the PS3??!?!?
config 10 Nov 2005 11:32
12/15
tyrion wrote:
Can you imagine the opportunities for piracy if Sony put a BD-RW drive in the PS3??!?!?
Not to mention the added production cost - I can't imagine the difference in price between a BD-ROM and a BD-RW drive being insignificant
Falien 10 Nov 2005 19:27
13/15
config wrote:
Not to mention the added production cost - I can't imagine the difference in price between a BD-ROM and a BD-RW drive being insignificant
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on the point of view) they can get this to work without any need for a BD-RW drive easily, for example they can have a small credit-card-style magnetic strip somewhere on the disc where there's no data (like the space between the disc's hole and the start of the data area) and a corresponding reader/writer inside the PS3. Given that Sony definitely has money to burn AND ways to ensure a fanboy following, I'd say that if they want to do it, they'll go ahead and do it regardless of added production costs, because they KNOW they'll get their money back from the millions of people who are waiting to play Metal Gear Solid 4 and Gran Turismo 5 and whatever other games they can coax the developers to make PS3-exclusive...
(It doesn't take that much coaxing, eh Namco?)...
LUPOS 11 Nov 2005 13:53
14/15
Falien wrote:
Given that Sony definitely has money to burn
i was not aware this was the case... i know nintendo has gameboy money to live off of and i know MS has... well... MS money to live off of... but i thought Playstation was actualy sony's only real money maker at this point, meaning that if the ps3 fails, it takes a big piece of sony with it.
although i may be wrong.
_____
Falien 22 Nov 2005 10:10
15/15
LUPOS wrote:
i thought Playstation was actualy sony's only real money maker at this point, meaning that if the ps3 fails, it takes a big piece of sony with it.
It's not as if the PlayStation is the only thing Sony sells well; just as Microsoft deals in operating systems etc., Sony deals in audio/video equipment, not to mention music, films etc. Also, it's a supposedly well-known fact (I say "supposedly" because I don't really believe it) that all consoles are sold at cost pricing (i.e. they are sold for less than it costs to produce them) and the companies make up the difference from game royalties and licenses. In any case, any company can undertake a policy that will have negative short-term results if they are sure they stand to profit in the long run.
Anyway, it's a moot question now anyway, since Sony have "assured" us that PS3 will NOT incorporate any disc-lock feature... so the whole thing was either a) a "clever" hype-making ploy to get people talking about the PS3 at the time the Xbox 360 is being launched Stateside, or b) a piece of info Sony carefully "let slip" in order to gauge the public response to such an idea...