With the release of SOCOM: U.S. Nave SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 for the PSP this week, Sony has implemented a new way to fight piracy on its handheld.
As [URL=http://psp.ign.com/articles/106/1069716p1.html]detailed on IGN[/URL], those who purchase a physical copy of the SOCOM title will need to register the game on the PlayStation Network using a supplied voucher code in order to play SOCOM online. Those who download the game digitally will have their copy automatically registered in a background operation.
Anyone who purchases a used physical copy of the game will need to pay Sony $20 for a PSN entitlement voucher to play it online. A note on the [URL=http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/PopBackofbox.aspx?Product_ID=74663]back of the game box[/URL] states: “Includes voucher for online play. The voucher can be redeemed by only one PSN account and cannot be transferred or sold.”
Sony’s Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller answered a few questions from IGN about the new scheme.
On whether this technology might also make its way to the PlayStation 3 in the future:
[INDENT]As with many programs, we're investigating future opportunities, but we have no announcements to make on it at this time.
[/INDENT]How does Koller think PSP users will react to the new tech?
[INDENT]From our research, this will be received quite positively. Remember, piracy affects more than just the creators of the game. It also affects the consumers who purchase titles expecting a high-quality gaming experience.
[/INDENT]
[url=http://www.gamepolitics.com/2010/02/18/latest-socom-psp-release-features-piracy-fighting-tech]More...[/url]