Game sharing on PSN to end?

[erbkaiser]

We?d like to inform you of some upcoming changes to the usage policies for PlayStation Network game content. As of November 18, 2011, the number of devices that can be activated on one PlayStation Network account for game content purchased from the PlayStation Store will be updated.

For game content purchased after November 18, 2011, a new policy will apply and the number of devices that can be activated will be as follows:
PS3: Users will be able to play the game on up to 2 activated PS3 systems.
PSP: Users will be able to play the game on up to 2 activated PSP systems.

Please note that this update will not affect game content purchased before November 18. The PSP rights include PSP-1000/2000/3000 series as well as the PSPgo system.

PlayStation Network users are able to change the activation setting through each device, and Sony Computer Entertainment plans to provide a new PlayStation Network account management website where users will be able to deactivate particular devices attached to their PlayStation Network account via their PC.

For more details on how to activate/deactivate the devices, please read this guide or contact consumer services."

-- http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/11/04/upcoming-change-to-playstation-3-and-psp-game-content-on-playstation-network/

So basically the days of being able to share one's PSN account with up to four others will come to an end, while still allowing us to activate a second PS3 (or PSP) if wanted. Also, the ability to finally disable dead or lost systems is a nice one.

My first reaction to this is cautious optimism, as I hope these new restrictions will make the Capcom DRM on titles such as Bionic Commando Rearmed (game only works if you can be logged into PSN) unnecessary. As long as that stupid kind of DRM will disappear, I'll welcome this change. Especially as we can still own 2 PS3s and 2 PSPs I doubt it will actually impact paying customers.

What are your thoughts?

 

[DannyJBeckett]

What about transferring games between multiple PS3's on the same account? Say, for instance, you get a new one as a replacement, and you want to transfer everything on your old one to the new one?

 

[erbkaiser]

Since they plan to create a website where you can deactivate a system for an account (much needed now -- you can now only deactivate an account on the PS3 itself which obviously is impossible if it is broken or lost), that shouldn't be an issue.
The new plan is to have 2 PS3s and 2 PSPs (including the PSVita probably) per PSN acccount at any one time, but you should be able to deactivate one system to activate a new one.
I'm on my second PS3 but never could disable the first one because it broke down completely, once the website goes up I'll be able to deactivate my old system.

 

[Azure-Supernova]

Well this is bittersweet. Finally a management site for our account's activation, but with it they've taken away three of my activations in the first place... bad form Sony.