Sony Blocks Online Play On Used Copies Of PSP SOCOM Game

[mike_intellivision]

Some quick thoughts.

First of all, the code is probably a one-time-use, so it is doubtful that a second person can use the code, even if it comes with a used game. Related to this, what do you do if you want to install on multiple PSPs or if you PSP is stole or broke - Do you have to pay $20 to play on-line again?

More to the point, Sony is attempting to decouple the cost of the game and the cost of the on-line play. It is selling both together -- but figures it can re-sell the on-line element each time the game changes hands.

Of course, if it does this, there is going to be some expectation that the on-line is up for a certain period of time -- and to some that might be FOREVER. The next step would be to define the on-line based upon a subscription for a particular length of time.

In other words, if Sony is doing this to restrict the transferring of games, what it has done is devalued the game when a person does to resell -- because you have to immediately deduct $20 from the value.

However, this might be another way to see if people are willing to play Sony games on line. Then Sony could sell on-line activities based upon a subscription basis -- either by game or to all of PSN.

Mike from Morgantown