EA: "DRM is a failed dead-end strategy"

[charlesr]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-03-27-ea-drm-is-a-failed-dead-end-strategy

Bold comments and sorely needed. Whilst it might be marketing spin, at least it puts their cards on the table.

[Neon Ignition]

If only they'd wise up to how they approach microtransactions also. I don't expect them to disappear but the EA PR machine is in abysmal condition of late

[Decider-VT]

Still keeping up the "SimCity is an MMO" whitewash, I see.

[MisterBubbles]

Now EA are doing away with online passes, wonders never seem to happen. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-online-passes

[wakka]

Yeah, because the only reason was to discourage used sales, the mechanism for which is built right into the PS4 and 720.

[originalbadboy]

Yeah, because the only reason was to discourage used sales, the mechanism for which is built right into the PS4 and 720.

Yep if you want a clearer indication that some sort of DRM for games will be built into the next gen machines, this is it. Probably why they are not dealing with Nintendo anymore.

[MisterBubbles]

PS4 doesn't block used games.

[originalbadboy]

PS4 doesn't block used games.

Sony are not blocking used games , however I guarantee there will be mechanisms in place on both PS4 and Nextbox to allow publishers to do so. Its quite easy for them to say that then.

[wakka]

Sony have said that although they will not be blocking used games, the functionality is built into the console to block used games if publishers want to.

I bet they can't wait!

[Brad]

Sony have said that although they will not be blocking used games, the functionality is built into the console to block used games if publishers want to.

I bet they can't wait!

When did they say that?

[charlesr]

GameSpot asked Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida in a quickfire Q&A not if PS4 would block used games but whether second hand games will require an activation code on the console.

His answer: “It's a publisher decision. We are not talking about it. Sorry.”

So basically no one knows if it's hardware or just online codes as usual, but they haven't come out and said "PS4 will not contain such functionality" which OBVIOUSLY MEANS IT WILL HAVE THAT FOOLS!!!!

They have also not stated that it will toast bread, but you can guarantee that it will!

[Rider_on_the_Storm]

Regarding EA scrapping online passes, i don't think it's anything to do with negative feedback from consumers but more to do with Next Gen consoles incorporating stricter DRM measures against second-hand sales.

It wouldn't surprise me if some games i.e. EA, Activision titles on PS4/NextBox were tied to an account via one time activation.

[originalbadboy]

Regarding EA scrapping online passes, i don't think it's anything to do with negative feedback from consumers but more to do with Next Gen consoles incorporating stricter DRM measures against second-hand sales.

It wouldn't surprise me if some games i.e. EA, Activision titles on PS4/NextBox were tied to an account via one time activation.

Yep discs will effectively just become install tools for those with slow internet connections. Its the way its going .. get used to it.

[Rider_on_the_Storm]

Its the way its going .. get used to it.

Tell me something I don't know. I've got over 200 games on Steam, therefore I'm "used to it" already...

[wakka]

So basically no one knows if it's hardware or just online codes as usual, but they haven't come out and said "PS4 will not contain such functionality" which OBVIOUSLY MEANS IT WILL HAVE THAT FOOLS!!!!

They have also not stated that it will toast bread, but you can guarantee that it will!

Okay, so I was reading between the lines a little. But the famously candid Yoshida's reticence on the subject, the progression towards digital as the primary distribution method, and now EA's rescinding of its own 'online pass' scheme certainly seems to point in the direction of optional built-in DRM to stop used games.