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EA Plans For Next-Gen Used Game Policy To Benefit Gamers

E3 2013

by LizLanier on June 12, 2013 at 03:35 PM

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EA Labels president Frank Gibeau discussed the company's used games strategy for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One during an E3 analyst call earlier today.

Gibeau confirmed that EA is currently coming up with their strategy in the wake of Microsoft and Sony conferences that raised further discussion in the used games debate. While Microsoft appears to be leaving the choice of used game restrictions or fees up to individual publishers, it is still unclear what the Xbox One will or will not allow in terms of pre-owned titles.

Gibeau says that the decision that EA comes to will ultimately benefit "gamers first." With Sony's confirmation Monday that there will be no DRM restriction for the PlayStation 4, it would seem that the positive public response could have EA leaning toward less restrictions on used games rather than imposing fees or online passes for multiplayer.

Keep in mind, this information arrives shortly after EA's recent decision to nix online passes and the publisher's Sim City controversy. But the ultimate question EA will face if there are fees to play used games will likely be: "How will this benefit gamers?"

What do you think the publisher has planned for used games in the next console generation? Stay tuned for more information, and let us know in the comments.

[Source EA via GameSpot]

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Comments

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by Companion Cube Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:46 PM

How about don't have a fee? That sounds like a damn good plan to me
by DF-1 Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:49 PM

"EA Plans To Benefit Gamers" ....HAH!
by A Pimped Butterfly Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:49 PM

Sounds good to me!
by AnAttackCorgi Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:50 PM

Knowing EA, "benefiting gamers first" sounds like just another generalized PR statement to me. EA could go to either side of the coin.
by blaxar Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:54 PM

Its EA they WILL have a fee for used games and they WILL go against their own statements. They don't care about gamers. The boycott of EA will continue as it should spread through all gamers.
Mod

by Darkvizardberrytan Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:56 PM

Microtransactions Microtransactions everywhere.
by Warrior Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:57 PM

Lol this is EA. They do what they want.
by SOG Veganmeatshield Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:58 PM

On a side note regarding used games, I heard that with their new system, Microsoft would allow people to sell games to each other over their XBL with a small fee or something close to that. For the life of me I can't remember where I heard that or if it is even true. Anybody else hear about this?
Oh yea, back on topic, how about no fee for us EA? That would benefit the gamer.
by byanyothername Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 03:58 PM

Other than the whole ordeal with SimCity, I've never seen much reason to hate EA. Maybe I'm missing something, but with online passes being gone and the quality of their recent games, I've had no problems.
by Patrick Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:01 PM

Well, they can no longer charge used game fees for the SP on the PS4. It has to play games offline so there... We will just see the online pass there under a different name. 'Online experience package' or some other marketing play like that... maybe DLC tied in with the price.

Who knows... it would be a real STUPID move to BLOCK GAMES OFF ENTIRELY behind a first time online activation wall. Knowing EA though we can be sure of one thing, they like stupid. I hope Sony has some policy to stop publishers doing it, making at least the SP work offline.

XBone however... whatever they come up with, it all goes due to always online.
by Jessica Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:06 PM

EA is filled with greed. :P
by KickAssLover24 Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:06 PM

Now it feels like these gaming companies wants to control our disc even after its paid for. Just money hungry Why in the hell do we have pay all of this extra sh*t just to play a freaking game? $60 is too well enought for a game, plus dlc which has to be paid in order to enjoy the full experience. We paid for it now gamers should have the right to as they please with it.
by Zagaza Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:11 PM

On one hand, I think this article is misleading. Sony AND Microsoft BOTH said "it's up to the publishers."

On the other hand, EA has totally switched camps and is apparently BFFs with MS now. IF either or both enact some sort of used-game policy, I suspect that they will favor Microsoft over Sony.
by someNYkid Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:12 PM

What policy does there need to be? If you want to benefit gamers publish games and leave us the hell alone.
by woohdakid024 Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:12 PM

never really understood the hate on used games u can buy almost everything in the world used down to shoes and socks but somehow games are the exception
by mleaves92 Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:14 PM

Calling it now, the fees they put on (and the WILL put them on) are there to personalize each install of a game. Maybe it will be a heavy point achievement, access to "free" DLC or specialized servers for online play, but end result, cash will leave your wallet "for your own benefit."
by toxxsick Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:14 PM

Am I the only one who hasn't forgotten PS4 announced yesterday that they are leaving DRM up to 3rd party publishers as well?
by God Of Irony Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:17 PM

Hm. Okay. I really hope this used game nonsense backs off.
by goggamanxp Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 04:17 PM

Yeah, because I can trust EA to do anything right....