Sony introduces new DRM for SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3, hopes to combat PSP piracy for good

Surprise, surprise, surprise… With the US release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 today, Sony has also introduced a new security feature that the company hopes will help eradicate the rampant piracy issue seen on the PSP for good.

Surprise, surprise, surprise… With the US release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 today, Sony has also introduced a new security feature that the company hopes will help eradicate the rampant piracy issue seen on the PSP for good.

In SCEA’s new initiative, those who will purchase the game are now required to register the title through PlayStation Network before given access to online gameplay. A voucher code that must be redeemed online will be given to those who wish to purchase a UMD version of the game, while digital copies will automatically register in the background. But for those who chooses to buy a used copy of the UMD, you will be required to purchase a PSN entitlement voucher for US$ 20 in order to play online. According to John Koller, director of hardware marketing at SCEA:

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 is the first title to introduce the new online entitlement feature. As with many programs, we’re investigating future opportunities, but we have no announcements to make on it at this time.

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. Game development is a long and costly process that can take years to create and many more dollars to develop, manufacture, market and distribute.

Our goal is to keep this development pipeline flowing with creative new IPs, well known franchises and pick up and play experiences that all can legally enjoy. That’s something that all fans can be happy about.

Via [IGN]