The SOCOM: US Navy SEALS Fireteam Bravo 3 title for Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld platform is the first to require online activation in order to unlock certain features. When it was released on Tuesday in the U.S., it came with a voucher code that had to be redeemed online to unlock online play features. Sony claims that the measure is aimed at curbing piracy of PSP games.
"Today's consumers are more tech savvy and better connected to the internet than ever before. Piracy continues to be an issue of concern for the PSP platform. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 is a trial run for a new initiative we are exploring for the platform," said SCEA director of hardware marketing John Koller.
"We will continue to explore this as an opportunity for the platform going forward, but we have no announcements to make on future iterations at this time." One detail that is sure to upset many legitimate gamers is how it affects pre-owned sales of the title. Anyone that purchases a used copy of the game will need to acquire a new voucher for activation - and that costs $20.
Electronic Arts has a similar system in place called "Project Ten Dollar", where premier downloadable content (DLC) is included as a free download for anyone who buys a new copy of the game, but won't be free to anybody buying a second hand copy of the game.
"We will continue to explore this as an opportunity for the platform going forward, but we have no announcements to make on future iterations at this time." One detail that is sure to upset many legitimate gamers is how it affects pre-owned sales of the title. Anyone that purchases a used copy of the game will need to acquire a new voucher for activation - and that costs $20.
Electronic Arts has a similar system in place called "Project Ten Dollar", where premier downloadable content (DLC) is included as a free download for anyone who buys a new copy of the game, but won't be free to anybody buying a second hand copy of the game.
