PS4 won't block used games, 143 developers on board
Sony announced its next-generation video game console at a press event Wednesday. The PlayStation 4 itself was a no-show, but the gaming giant showed off several games for new device. And rumors circulating that the PS4 would not play used games have been put to rest.
Sony says that the PS4 features a PC-like body architecture, x86 CPU, enhanced PS GPU, 8 gigabytes of unified memory and local storage hard drive. The PS4 will come with an updated DualShock 4 controller with a touchpad, light-friendly censor, stereo camera and button for sharing. Play session will be saved in RAM and updates will now happen in the background.
In an interview with the video game blog Eurogamer, Sony Worldwide Studio president Shuhei Yoshida says that the PS4 will not block second-hand games.
"That's the general expectation by consumers," Yoshida told Eurogamer. "They purchase physical form; they want to use it everywhere, right? So that's my expectation."
Yoshida added: "So, used games can play on PS4. How is that?"
According to CNET, a Sony patent for "Electronic Content Processing System" and "Use Apparatus" that was recently discovered suggested that the company could link purchased games to individual consumers, blocking access to any unmatched user.
GameSpot reports that 143 video game developers are working on games for the PS4. Major studios making games for the PS4 include Electronic Arts, Activision and Capcom, among others.
At Wednesday's press event, Sony showed off demonstrations or announced games like "Diablo III," "Killzone: Shadow Fall," "Unreal Engine 4," "The Witness," "Deep Down," "Destiny" and "Final Fantasy."
Sony said the PS4 is coming "holiday 2013." There is currently no confirmation on the price nor are there photos of the console. The PS3 was launched in North America on Nov. 17, 2006 and initially retailed for about $600.
