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It has been confirmed that consumers who buy DC Universe Online will be unable to trade in their copies of the game.
This applies to both the PS3 and PC versions of the game.
"Once the PSN key has been consumed with a disk it cannot be resold/ replayed with the second user adding a sub," a Sony rep told LazyGamer. "Only the original consumer can use that account. Disk and account are one."
Users will also need to pay out a monthly or quarterly subscription to play the title.
PC gamers are accustomed to such restrictions, with most high-profile restrictions coming with an activation code. However, for console gamers it’s an unfamiliar process.
It also takes console gaming a step beyond the growing use of single-use Online Passes that only lock some content away from pre-owned buyers. This is the first instance of a game that cannot be played at all without the code.
And unlike games which use the Online Pass system (or equivalent), with DCUO there’s no scope for second hand buyers to buy a fresh code from SOE.
It could be a sign of things to come. Sony has long-rumoured to be considering the use of such codes in all of its first party releases. The only obstacle is the need for console owners to be online to activate their games, but this is a problem that will lessen with the increasing rollout of home internet access.
UPDATE: Source credit amended
