farbot.com

From they "they did what?" department comes news today that this week's launch of SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 and its online play comes with a big giant catch. That catch is that you have to activate its online play with the PSN using a code that ships with the game. The digital PSN version ships with its activation code built-in. If you don't buy it new, no online play for you!

The move is designed to take a big bite out of piracy, and I imagine it will, but it will also mean that anyone who rents it or buys it used will be dead in the water. There is a way to fix it: pay Sony a $20 fee to get a new code. Or, if you have a PS3, you can use Adhoc Party.

Last time I mentioned a scheme like this it was about Sega's plans for Phantasy Star Portable 2 to have a similar online activation code here.

Do I like this plan? No, but I do think the only way to fight piracy is to have software that phones home in some way, be it one-time PSN authentication and so on. It works well for the handful of digital delivery platforms and PC gaming, after all.

From Aeropause.