Sony Computer Entertainment, makers of the hugely popular PlayStation 3 gaming console and PS Vita handheld device, have recently filed a patent for technology that could determine whether a game is used or not.
The used game market is an annoyance to video game publishers as it takes away a significant chunk of potential revenue from video game companies with many trying to solve the issue without alienating their consumers.
Sony it seems has done just that but whether it chooses to implement the new technology into its expected PlayStation 4 console remains speculation.
According to details of the patent, the new technology uses a radio frequency tag on the game disc to provide information to the console. The aptly named “Permission Tag” will associate itself with the console id or a specific player running only if the device meets Sony’s terms and conditions.
This will disrupt the used game market if implemented with Sony able to put up any terms it deems appropriate for the game to run. Sony could theoretically limit the game’s playability to only a single console or player id effectively disallowing any other player from using the game disc.
It could also go a bit lenient and use the technology to allow other players access for a fee or remove the award of trophies to anyone else other than the original user.
All of this is just speculation as Sony has not revealed any new information regarding the patent and it could only have applied for one in order to keep other firms from using its technology.
The PlayStation 4 is according to rumours expected to be officially announced by February and more information on the highly expected console will be unveiled in time.
Source: VentureBeat
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