Fans call on Sony to shun PS4 DRM and pre-owned block

PlayStation fans are are calling on Sony to shun DRM and a pre-owned games block in the upcoming PS4.

Tagged over Twitter as #PS4NoDRM and #PS4USEDGAMES, consumers have posted a plethora of messages to Sony executives pleading with them not to implement usage restrictions on the PS4.

Fans were sparked into action the social network and other sites such as NeoGaf and Reddit amidst reports that Sony may enact similar restrictions on the PS4 as those seemingly implemented by Microsoft for the Xbox One.

Confusion currently surrounds some of Mircrosoft’s DRM policies, with the company being vague and issuing contradictory statements over claims that users will be required to go online at least once per day to run the Xbox One, and that each game will come with an activation code tied to an individual’s Xbox Live account. This would mean second-hand owners can’t play the game without first paying a fee.

US journalist Geoff Keighley recently claimed on GameTrailers that he had heard Sony was also likely to enforce some form of used game restrictions, and that he “can’t see publishers allowing one system to do one thing and one the other”.

But in response to the social networking campaign, a number of top Sony executives have responded to the Tweets expressing their delight at the passion of the company’s fans, and that the electronics giant was taking notice.

It is still unclear however whether Sony will implement any DRM measures in the PS4.

"I know my colleagues might not appreciate me saying this, but I’ve rather enjoyed being Twitter bombed by passionate fans recently,” said SCEE senior business development manager Shahid Kamal Ahmad.

Publisher and developer relations staffer Adam Boyes said, in response to TotalBiscuit’s suggestion that Twitter might be a bad place to make used game comparisons and arguments: “imho it’s working pretty well, much better than a few letters would. We’re seeing the message loudly, and it’s immediate.”

Sony PlayStation head of hardware marketing John Koller responded: “This is why I love PlayStation fans- the passion bucket overflows #playstation”.

SCEE Playstation software product development head Scott Rohde stated: “I love passionate #PlayStation Fans!!”

SCEA producer Nick Accordino said: "Humbled by the outpouring of passionate PlayStation fans and their willingness to talk to us directly. Please know that we hear you."