Sony plans to "do the right thing" for both consumers and game developers in regards to playing used games on the PlayStation 4, according to Sony Worldwide VP Michael Denny.
Speaking with CVG, Denny called used games "massively important," and that the console-maker is designing the PS4 with both consumers and developers in mind:"At this moment in time the announcements have been about our philosophy and vision for PlayStation 4, our motivation to put the gamer at the heart of it and why we've got the development community on it." Denny also said that he would only speak in broad terms at this point, saying that more detailed information would come "in good time."
The statement comes after Sony Worldwide President Shuhei Yoshida said that the PS4 would not block used games, but left room in his statement for the possibility that Sony could charge a fee for using second-hand discs. Before the PS4 was unveiled Sony patented software that could be used to prevent used games from working on the PS4, prompting rumors that the console would outright ban used games.
Similar rumors have suggested that the next Xbox, which may or may not be unveiled at an event in April, may also take measures to block used games.
Both statements, while superficially reassuring, implicitly suggest that the way consumers buy and play used games will change in one way or another with Sony's new hardware. Sony has already said the PS4 will not support "native," disc-based games for past-gen games. Sony does, however, plan to give users access to PS3 games on the new console through their Gaikai-powered streaming service.
Sony expects to launch the PlayStation 4 this holiday season.
