C.R.E.A.M

We had to know that something like this was coming, but I thought with the PSN blackout it would be delayed for at least a year. Oh well. With the game Resistance 3 Sony will introduce the PSN pass, a code that comes with the new game that the buyer must enter to play the game online to its full capabilities. Doesn't seem that bad, but now if you buy a used game you will have to purchase a PSN pass from Sony in order to play the game online.

I'm not sure whether or not to be pissed off about a money grubbing company or just pleased that Sony is willing to be straight forward about just trying to make more money. Because, when I think about it, I can only think of one instance where I have bought a game and then went on the play it online for many hours. Yet, I 'm beginning to think that this is just a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Sony wants a vice grip on its games, and the PSN pass would certainly would give them one -- it would force players who typically buy used games from a place like Game Stop to purchase something from Sony. Just look at the prices of used and new games. I bought Killzone 3 when it came out, $60. Played it and personally wasn't that impressed and sold it back when I bought LA Noire. I got around $30 for the game, which Game Stop went on to try and sell for $55. If I needed a PSN pass to play this game, there is no way that I would get $30 for the game and no way Game Stop would be able to sell the game for $55(Yes, I know they charge way too much anyway). If the buyer of a used game has to buy a $15 PSN pass plus the game, Game stop will probably only be able to sell the game for at most $40 and the people who turn used games in will get a lot less money, as well.

More and more it only seems that users of the PS3 are really only renting its services. The jailbreaker of the PS3 is having legal troubles because he decided to use the PS3 in a way Sony didn't intend for it to be used. Now it seems that the people who purchase games will be limited. If you install a PSN pass on your system and want to let your friend borrow the game, they will not have the same experience.

This PSN pass is bullshit, but it is passable bullshit. Its not Xbox Live and probably won't actually affect too many people. I'm starting to think that the video game industry is going to turn into that Pastor Martin Niemoller poem. First they came for the used gamers... or maybe I'm just being a bit dramatic. Or perhaps at one point in the near future we will be forced to buy single player campaigns and online play separately. *Shrug*

-Max

(For those that dont get the title)