It's been rumored that both PS4 and the next Xbox will have some type of online license tracking to prevent used games from working on another system. This is already common practice in the PC world (activation codes for games), and with all other types of software, so it makes sense to do this from a business standpoint. After all, when you purchase software, you don't own the actual software code, just a license to use it.

Of course, many gamers are not too happy with this possibility. Many gamers, including myself, like to purchase some titles used, since they aren't interested enough in a particular title to justify full retail cost, or they just cannot afford a $60 game.

What would you all think about the following scenario? Instead of completely banning used games, companies could instead employ a nominal 'activation fee' of maybe $2-$5 depending on the game (how recently it was released could determine the 'activation' cost). Places like Gamestop could even include an activation voucher with purchase to cover some or all of this cost. Going through the re-activation process would de-activate the game's license code on the original machine, and move the license to the new machine (eliminating piracy, but allowing for a legal transfer of ownership). Gamers could still purchase used software at a substantial discount, and publishers & developers still make a little extra money for their 'art' whenever somebody new uses their software. This could be a win-win for everybody... thoughts?

I would not say it too loud. I can imagine the guys at Gamestop charging +15$ for the activation fee xDDD

I would expect the activation to be done via the online service on the console, so there wouldn't be any markup for activation.

I can only speak for myself, but it's not just the costs involved in anti-used games tech that make it so unsavory. It's the philosophy behind it.

Imagine this

PS4= $400

8 games= $480 (assuming $60 games are the same price)

★Problem★

PS4 breaks down by accident/etc. Now all those Games you buy cant transfer over? What the hell are you gonna do with all 8 of those games?

Also trying to sell it. Now some1 has to sell it to a customer with all 8 games. Leads into a whole mess

They could tie the activation of the game to your PSN/XBL ID instead of the console itself, they do this with online purchases now I believe (except nintendo but that's a whole different can of worms)

Solution: You confirm ownership of the online account, Sony transfers licenses over to the new console for free. Alternatively, you log into your online account with the new PS4, it allows you to transfer games over for free.

Selling the 8 games: Person who purchases a game just pays the nominal activation fee after purchase.

It's not ideal, but it's better than no game license transfer at all.

I do forsee another problem, what if a family owns 2 PS4's? Can they not share games between systems? Can you only play it on the PS4 in the basement and not the one in the bedroom? I guess as long as games are tied to an account, not a console, this shouldn't be a problem.

yeah sounds more like it that banning the whole thing...
maybe a $5 activation would be more appreciated than completely not allowing the whole game itself...
or they could slash the price of the game if they would now allow resale... maybe like $40??? yeah im dreaming

I like the idea. The problem is that publishers are so greedy that this activation codes that you say could cost $1-$5 will probably be something like $20.

As I have mentioned a few times before, this tech would work just fine if the games are tied to ACCOUNTS and not CONSOLES.

Then you could take your games to friends' houses and still play them. Or if your console broke and you got a replacement, you could still play your games. Just would require your Xbox Live/PSN Account present.