The Next Generation and DRM (Digital Restrictions Management).

      To a gamer, the term Digital Restrictions Management seems like a dirty phrase. However, this product has wormed its way into every disc-writable media today. DVD's and Blu-Ray's each are marked with affiliated DRM's to ensure that pirated software isn't sent out. While it, in theory, sounds like a grand idea. That isn't the case at all. DRM's communicate with your media to effectively limit your fair use of your media. They can be used to not play on someone else's media player because the DVD or Blu-Ray is marked as yours.

      As for games however, the DRM issue hits used and pre-owned games. Currently, video games today do not have a DRM associated with them. So places like Gamestop, Gamefly, and other retailers can freely trade games and sell used copies. With the next generation of games and consoles coming out soon, those will change. Sony, early on, said that they will use limited DRM's in their system to curb piracy, but recently has rescinded that comment, claiming that DRM's will hurt the company as well as retailers and gamers everywhere. Microsoft has stated (vaguely) that they will use DRM's for their console as well, and has not backed down from this statement. After an interview with IGN.com, Microsoft's Don Mattrick spoke about the speculation around used games and the Xbox One. Mr. Mattrick said that they "would wait till E3" to remark on the used games problem.

      If the use of DRM's makes its way into video games, the response would be problematic. You wouldn't be allowed to let anyone borrow your game for fear of copyright subjugation laws, you wouldn't ever be able to buy used games. Gamestop and other retailers would lose a huge portion of sales, or rather have to skyrocket the price for games to wipe the DRM off of a title, and online retailers like Gamefly would be put out of business. So far, we've only heard one side of the console DRM debate from Sony, and it seems like it's on a good start. But alas, we'll have to hold off until we see everything from E3.

Today's comment question of the day: Would you be happy if games were more expensive in an effort to stop pirating?