PSN DRM change in effect now, remote deactivation detailed

Starting today, Sony's revised DRM for the PlayStation Network will go into effect. All new game purchases made on the PlayStation Store will be limited to two devices. But, how can you ensure that only the systems you have access to can use your account?

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Starting today, Sony's revised DRM for the PlayStation Network will go into effect. All new game purchases made on the PlayStation Store will be limited to two devices. But, how can you ensure that only the systems you have access to can use your account?

As promised, the ability to remotely deactivate your gaming devices has gone live. The process is easily completed via the web, but comes with a few caveats. For example, you'll only be able to perform the wipe once every six months.

To see how many PlayStation devices are activated on your system, you'll want to log into the Sony Entertainment Network. You'll be able to deactivate individual PSPs by connecting the system and following the instructions.

However, if you don't have access to a certain system, whether it be stolen, misplaced, or sent for repairs, you'll be able to do a remote deactivation of all your PlayStation systems. This will deactivate every system you have, and can only be done once every six months. You'll then be able to activate devices by accessing the PlayStation Store from the device, or using "Account Management" from the XMB.

(via PSN Stores)

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    November 18, 2011 9:15 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, PSN DRM change in effect now, remote deactivation detailed.

    Starting today, Sony's revised DRM for the PlayStation Network will go into effect. All new game purchases made on the PlayStation Store will be limited to two devices. But, how can you ensure that only the systems you have access to can use your account?

    • reply
      November 18, 2011 9:33 AM

      Love the fact you can handle the activation online now.

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        November 18, 2011 10:38 AM

        now if only apple would do the same thing

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      November 18, 2011 9:38 AM

      [deleted]

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        November 18, 2011 9:57 AM

        That kind of has to happen on consoles, they're the complete opposite of open.

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        November 18, 2011 10:05 AM

        At least you can still change the hard drive without paying a premium on it.

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          November 18, 2011 10:22 AM

          Really? We're opening this can again?

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        November 18, 2011 10:07 AM

        No, I never remember when the PS3 was open.

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        November 18, 2011 10:23 AM

        To be fair this cool feature allowed people to share games without paying for them :/

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          November 18, 2011 10:37 AM

          apparently they didnt have their system cracked and open to piracy until they removed the ability to install another OS

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            November 18, 2011 10:56 AM

            Didn't the guys that cracked it specifically cite the removal of Other OS as their motivation?

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              November 18, 2011 10:58 AM

              Yup.

            • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
              reply
              November 18, 2011 1:05 PM

              I don't know why anyone cares what his supposed motivation was. Cracking it is still cracking it.

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                November 18, 2011 2:04 PM

                Motivation provides context.

                • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
                  reply
                  November 18, 2011 5:01 PM

                  Supposed motivation.

                  Robbing a bank because you disagree with the bank's lending policy is still robbing a bank.

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        November 18, 2011 11:25 AM

        "give them an inch, they take a mile". meanwhile apple is closed and is #1. therefore we conclude that open is bad and closed is best.

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          November 18, 2011 2:06 PM

          Number 1 in what exactly?

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            November 18, 2011 3:15 PM

            Profitability. Being closed has made so many companies profitable.

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              November 18, 2011 3:23 PM

              Sure, if you look at profit margin instead of revenue. The rhinocerous beetle is the strongest animal in the world!

              • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
                reply
                November 18, 2011 5:02 PM

                Or looking at actual profit, Mr. Troll. They are filthy, stinking rich and it would be willfully ignorant to call it an accident.

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                  November 18, 2011 5:45 PM

                  You apple fans make it so stinking easy though! Actually you got me, I was looking at data 2 years out of date. Also, never said it was an accident, just disputed the number 1 status and the implication that closed platforms are "best". Sure, best at making money apparently. I'll still avoid them where I can.

                  • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
                    reply
                    November 18, 2011 6:18 PM

                    "apple fan" earns a rare 'lol'

                    I dislike the closed nature of the iPlatform, not a big fan of the iPhone, I use an Android and will be replacing it with...another Android in the coming weeks, and am profoundly and solidly PC.

                    But that doesn't mean I can't recognize the success and foresight of Apple's strategy.

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                      November 18, 2011 7:02 PM

                      Fine, you are simply the more savvy Internet citizen. Happy?

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                    November 18, 2011 6:26 PM

                    Nice research, first result on "the google"?

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      November 18, 2011 1:07 PM

      I'm not certain I understand the limit of once / 6 mo. for deactivating a device. On the Xbox, I can DL and play any game I've purchased. The one Xbox I have authorized, the other users on that particular Xbox can play the game at will and not need be logged into my account. So, if I'm playing Castle Crashers with my account at a friends, they can join in as long as I've started the game.

      With a PS3, if I go to a friends and authorize his console for use of a title so we can game together there, I can't do so again for another 6 months without having to leave that console authorized?

      Am I misunderstanding the scheme or does that still seem pretty limiting?

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        November 18, 2011 3:16 PM

        The ability to deauthorize ALL of your PlayStation devices at once remotely is limited to once every six months. You can still individually deauthorize machines as often as you want.

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          November 18, 2011 4:56 PM

          Ah. That makes much more sense.

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