SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 Fights Piracy with Required Online Registration
With the release of their latest SOCOM title for the PSP, Fireteam Bravo 3, Sony is using a new way to fight piracy on its handheld by requiring players to register online before being allowed to play online.
Gamers who purchase a physical copy of SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 will need to register the game on the PlayStation Network using an included voucher code in order to play SOCOM online. Those who download the game digitally will have their copy automatically registered.
Wondering about getting a used copy of the game? Well, 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 back of the game box even says, “Includes voucher for online play. The voucher can be redeemed by only one PSN account and cannot be transferred or sold.”
When asked by IGN if this sort of technology might make its way to the PS3, Sony’s Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller said, “As with many programs, we’re investigating future opportunities, but we have no announcements to make on it at this time.”
And when asked how PSP owners will react to the new technology he answered, “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.”
SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 is in stores now in the US and tomorrow in the UK.
