Next Generation Consoles and DRM

[ddk]

So, I just noticed an advertisement for a Skyrim add-on and thought I'd check out how much it would be to download the full game through Xbox. $110 AUD. Yeah... not happening.

This, however, made me think about the next generation of consoles and how I've read that they will be moving to a model that will prevent people from selling their games and buying pre-owned as well as locking games to particular regions. This in turn made me think that there is no way in Hell that I'm paying $110 for any goddamn game if the model moves entirely in this direction, meaning I'll probably not be buying an Xbox 720 or PS4.

If this is the future of console gaming, will you be welcoming it or moving back to your computer?

[underskore]

why will it be different on a pc?

[Thraxeh]

99% of the computer games I play are through steam.

I think its a good idea to take game content exclusively to "cloud systems" - or whatever the hell you call it.

[HUMMER]

Originally Posted by Thraxeh

99% of the computer games I play are through steam.

I think its a good idea to take game content exclusively to "cloud systems" - or whatever the hell you call it.

cloud this and cloud that.. only works if you have a decent enough internet connection. guess what there are still places in australia that do not have that or will need to charge you your first born for the privilege.

[ddk]

Originally Posted by Thraxeh

99% of the computer games I play are through steam.

I think its a good idea to take game content exclusively to "cloud systems" - or whatever the hell you call it.

Steam doesn't have console versions on it.

The idea here is that they will cut-out the middle-man without reducing prices. So instead of being able to pick-up Skyrim for $60, or pre-owned for cheaper, you'll have no choice but to download it for $110 and you'll never be able to sell it.

[stmok]

Originally Posted by ddk

If this is the future of console gaming, will you be welcoming it or moving back to your computer?

This is the future of ALL gaming (console, portable, and PC)...Or so they say.

However, this isn't going to stop indie developers from selling their content based on their own terms on the PC. Not every developer on the planet like what companies such as EA and Activision has done to the industry. That's why they don't participate in their distribution systems or apply DRM. Instead, they do things themselves and can develop a game on their own terms.

Actually, when you think about it...I think that's a good thing that the big companies are going to cloud. It leaves a vacuum for the indie devs to fill! Maybe even bring back what games were supposed to be about...You know, fun instead of number of units sold on release day. (The latter is clearly run by folks with business backgrounds.)

Personally, I've only ever really enjoyed gaming on the PC. Especially the 1990s era.

Originally Posted by HUMMER

cloud this and cloud that.. only works if you have a decent enough internet connection. guess what there are still places in australia that do not have that or will need to charge you your first born for the privilege.

That's what the NBN is for! High Definition Porn and low latency gaming! Why haven't the ALP promoted this in their NBN ad campaign!

[ddk]

Originally Posted by stmok

That's what the NBN is for! High Definition Porn and low latency gaming! Why haven't the ALP promoted this in their NBN ad campaign!

You forgot the filter that comes with it. And since we don't have an R rating for digital content...

[PahMan]

New European ruling will allow resale of downloaded games. It will only affect Europe atm, but hopefully it spreads.

http://www.lo-ping.org/2012/07/03/eu...end-users-you/

Even if you agree to the EULA, they cannot make you break the law, so all of the fine print when you download a game is meaningless

I wonder if this will affect the DRM push

[shintemaster]

Very interesting development. See no reason why companies like Steam that are fairly progressive can't make this benefit for themselves and the consumers. As always, the companies producing average product with onerous conditions will struggle (and whinge).

[PahMan]

I'm wondering how this will also affect current digital distributers as well.

Part of the ruling states that they must not only allow the resale of downloaded games, but facilitate the process. This may be the end of Steam sales as we know it.

[Zerstorer]

Every console manufacturer has come out and explicitly said the rumour about no used games is total bullshit.

[jeimuzu]

Originally Posted by Zerstorer

Every console manufacturer has come out and explicitly said the rumour about no used games is total bullshit.

I agree :\

[ddk]

Originally Posted by Zerstorer

Every console manufacturer has come out and explicitly said the rumour about no used games is total bullshit.

Really? Don't suppose you have a news report link you could share?

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Thraxeh

99% of the computer games I play are through steam.

I think its a good idea to take game content exclusively to "cloud systems" - or whatever the hell you call it.

Sony are already on it there.

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh....php?t=1039315

[Zerstorer]

Originally Posted by ddk

Really? Don't suppose you have a news report link you could share?

Both Sony and Nintendo have denied it, and while nobody at Microsoft has explicitly denied it as far as I can see, it would be commercial suicide to do it when the other consoles offer customer freedom.

http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming...onsole-1086535
http://www.se7ensins.com/3102/sony-c...d-game-policy/

Console manufacturers don't give two shits if you buy used games. You're still playing it on their console, using their online service, buying DLC from their marketplace.