Backwards Compatibility and Used Games on PS4

When the Kotaku source informed the blog about the PlayStation 4 Orbis codename and 2013 release date, they also said something quite frightening: that the PS4 will not be backwards compatible and will have a used-game lock.

Before I react to that, let’s explain: backwards compatible is simply the ability to play older console games. Today, we can play Playstation 1 games on the PS2, and PS2 games on the PS3. It’s smart to do so, since most consoles release with just a few games out.

The second idea of a used-game lock: a system will not allow you to play a used game. Each game would have an individual account code, so when you buy it and play it the first time, it automatically syncs up to your PSN account (you can also download games from the PSN). But once this is done, you cannot take that game and play it on another account; no trading it in at GameStop, or letting a friend borrow it. It can only be accessed through the original users account.

Now, reaction: both of these ideas would be horrible for Sony to incorporate. So many gamers (I’d say about 30-60%, if not more) buy games used, or they borrow from friends. And what about gamers who use systems like GameFly, or rentals, regularly instead of spending the $60 to purchase? If this is the case, then so many gamers wouldn’t even bother to buy a new console; unless, of course, games go down to about $15-20, and even then it is risky.

On the backwards compatibility, this would also be silly. Who wants to have two consoles sitting in a room: their seven year old PlayStation 3, next to the bright and shiny PlayStation 4 Orbis? I wouldn’t, but I would also not want to give up my favorite games simply because I have something “new” that doesn’t offer my favorites.

I, for one, hope this is just a rumor, and not fact. It would be a major mistake, for both the gamers and the developers. Do you agree?

Uncharted 4 on PlayStation 4

In November 2011, the most recent addition to the popular PlayStation game franchise, Uncharted, released. It’s the third in the series, called Drake’s Deception, and has averaged 4.5 stars out of 400+ reviews around the web. Pretty awesome.

Uncharted 3 also earned a few awards at Spike’s Video Game Awards, including Best Graphics and best PS3 game. So, with all these achievements under its belt, what else can we expect from the Uncharted game series?

First off, we know the biggest question every one wants to know: will Uncharted 4 be on the PlayStation 4? Odds are, yes. If all those PS4 rumors spreading around the web are to be believed, then the PlayStation 4 is under development. That means by the time Uncharted 4 releases (probably two years from now), the PS4 should be releasing about the same time.

Now, do we want it on the PS4? Heck yes! We already know the graphics in Uncharted are phenomenal, off the charts, top of the league. We want it to be better, though (maybe we’re just spoiled). The only way to do that, however, is to upgrade the hardware in the PS3, which would mean the release of the PS4.

What other games should we expect on the PlayStation 4? Resistance 4, Modern Warfare 4 (next COD will be PS3 most likely)… What else?

PlayStation 4 Games Under Development

I think we’ve heard this rumor before, but it’s resurfacing once more with a different source this time.

According to Develop-Online.net, a “trusted source” has stated that Sony already has several game projects in the earliest stages for the PS4. While it wasn’t stated which companies were doing so, supposedly the PS4 already has games underway.

Okay, we buy it, especially if the PS4 does release in the next few years (we’re all hoping for 2014 or sooner, after all). It takes at least 18 months for a game to release, about the same amount of time it takes for a new console to be developed. But for games to start being developed for the PS4 today, that means there is a prototype PS4 somewhere out there.

There are release rumors about the PlayStation 4 already, in case you aren’t caught up. While Sony will never respond to “rumors and speculation”, we do know a lot of their time recently has been spent on the PS Vita.

No matter what, though, we do know the PS4 will be coming in the future. Stay tuned for more information!

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