Could Xbox 720 Stop People from Playing Used Games?

Many a gamer has lamented when a game came out with a new version only months after they paid $60 for theirs. The seemingly never-ending cycle of updated and sequel games leads many people to just rent or borrow games from their friends.

But what if Microsoft decided to build the Xbox 720 (or whatever they plan to call it) with the ability to prevent used or borrowed game play? Microsoft is planning to use such a technology in its next console system, Steven Totilo wrote on the gaming blog Kotaku.

Because Microsoft is in the planning stages of its new system, it is throwing out all kinds of ideas to gauge interest. Take the PlayStation Vite, for example. It's already halfway there because all Vita games are put out as cartridges and as downloads (they cost less). The physical versions can be traded and sold, but the digital copies are only allowed to be used by the buyer. Furthermore, smartphone and tablet games (apps) have turned the gaming world upside down because they are all sold individually; no trading or selling back. Sony and Microsoft would love to have an App Store version of their gaming ecosystems so everybody paid for new games only, don't you think?

In the end, it's only a matter of time before this happens, and many gamers already know it. That's why so many have given up on buying new games; it's just easier to rent and borrow.

Maybe not for long. Console games will likely become more like PC games where the game comes with a one-use key for play on his or her machine only. In fact, this is partially true already for games like Batman: Arkham City, where Catwoman is a bonus character and costs extra. The next step is not that far off.

Tell us in the comments if you love games and can accept this idea because it means more money for the people who actually make them.