

Sony has just updated their software usage Terms concerning the Playstation ecosystem including Playstation 4 and it seems that there’s something intriguing in the ‘Resale’ section.

Apparently, the resale of disk-based or downloaded software is not allowed, unless explicitly authorized by them as well as the publisher of the software itself.

Here it is, in section 7.1:

You must not resell either Disc-based Software or Software Downloads, unless expressly authorized by us and, if the publisher is another company, additionally by the publisher.

Further investigation led to the Software Licensing section, which says that customers do not actually own the software after buying, but are simply licensing it for use. What’s more, the company can terminate your license if you do not comply with the terms.

All Software is licensed, not sold, which means you acquire rights to use the Software, as described in these Terms, but you do not acquire ownership of the Software. If you do not comply with these Terms, we can terminate your Software License which means you will no longer have the right to use the Software.

There’s also this section about the Leasing and Renting of your games. As in that you’re not supposed to do it.

You must not lease, rent, sublicense, publish, modify, adapt, or translate any portion of the Software.

Let’s recall what Sony Computer Entertainment of America president and CEO Jack Tretton said at E3:

When a gamer buys a PS4 disk, they have the rights to use that copy of the game. They can trade in that game at retail, sell it to another person, lend it to a friend, or keep it forever. In forever, PlayStation 4 disc-based games don’t need to be connected online to play.

Remember How To Share PS4 Games Video? People took it to mean that players will be able to do whatever they want with their purchased software, but apparently that only extends to letting your friend play the game.

We’re still waiting for official word from Sony to clarify these terms. Until then, my jimmies are thoroughly rustled.