New SOCOM Needs PSN Activation for Online Play

Those who buy new copies of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 (that's quite a name) should look closely in the package and make sure they save their PlayStation Network authentication code, which is needed if they ever intend to play the game online in multiplayer. Those who are interested in picking up the game used need to know that a new code will cost them no less than 20 dollars.

Publisher Sony is saying that this move is intended as an important part of the piracy reduction program targeting the PlayStation Portable handheld. Its also intended as a way of discouraging used games sales for the platform.

In recent months, developers have been claiming that they will not be creating new titles for the PSP as long as Sony does not limit the impact of piracy. The fresh Go version of the console, which does not have a removable battery, nor a UMD drive, was supposed to do just that but its overall sales have been disappointing.

John Koller, who is the hardware marketing director at Sony Computer Entertainment of America, told IGN that “Piracy remains a concern on the PSP platform, but the launch of the PSPgo and the ability to access the PlayStation Store directly from PSP-3000 were significant steps towards fighting piracy and getting consumers to download digital games legally.”

Sony seems to be doing something similar to what publisher Electronic Arts is trying to do with its 10-dollar project, an effort to include downloadable content worth at least that amount with new purchases. This makes the buyer feel special because they are receiving something extra while also creating a new revenue stream for the company through the sales of that DLC to those who insist on getting the game used. The system seems to have performed well for Dragon Age: Origins, and Mass Effect 2, both having sold a few million copies.