Home Gaming Is Sony set to do digital game rentals?

Is Sony set to do digital game rentals?

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Rent

For console gamers, PlayStation Plus is a revolution. Giving gamers a selection of essentially new games for a flat fee subscription is something that would be unheard, and the idea laughed at just a few years ago. Sony may be on track to revolutionise games all over again – by letting console gamers rent digital games from the PSN.

An image popped up on PSNStores Twitter (via NeoGAF), revealing Sony’s possibly plans to unleash game rentals on the PSN.

PSNrental

It quite clearly shows that Sony’s at least toying with the idea of doing digital rentals. It’s more than likely that the “free” is just a temporary placeholder, and you’ll instead have to pay for your rentals if this feature does ever propagate. Still, it would be great for those games that sell for full retail price, but are only a few hours long. It’s like an extended demo, really. You could probably plough through Catherine in 7 days (wait, that sounds all sorts of wrong.)

It could, of course, also be our first look at the beginnings of Sony’s PlayStation Now, Sony’s streaming service  that would allow consumers to stream games to any supported device without having to own the actual console hardware.

If this is true, it’ll mean a lot of happy consumers – but terribly upset game retailers, many of whom make decent money with second-hand sales of games people would hesitate to buy at full price. I’d certainly rent something like Deadpool, for example, for a weekend’s entertainment, but there’s no way on earth you could convince me to pony up R600 to play it.

Of course, if Sony does do this there will be licensing issues with publishers, who won’t be keen on missing out on sales, so if it does happen, expect it to be only available for older games that have long passed their sales tails.

Last Updated: March 14, 2014

94 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief of comments

    March 14, 2014 at 08:34

    I say 3 hours free, then you can see if its a waste of moolah or not

    Reply

    • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

      March 14, 2014 at 08:35

      Demo?

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief of comments

        March 14, 2014 at 08:36

        Aye, enough to get you hooked and then the sale is easy peeeeeezy.

        Or enough to detect a Colonial Marine of a mess up

        Reply

        • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

          March 14, 2014 at 08:38

          True yes, but I would really download a full game just to test it for a few hours. a week rental is cool. Used to rent games all the time from local video store when I was young

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 08:40

            Would or wouldn’t?

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:42

            Sorry, wouldn’t. It’s too early to spell correctly

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 08:45

            Good spelling has no schedule…
            😛

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:47

            Well if you read the T&C, you first have to accept coffee in your body before one can start being accountable for their spelling 🙂

    • Hammersteyn

      March 14, 2014 at 08:39

      More than enough play through most FPS campaigns

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief of comments

        March 14, 2014 at 08:40

        Especially those that start with a C and end with a y and consist of three words?

        Reply

    • HvR

      March 14, 2014 at 08:44

      Quite a few games currently on PSN have 1 hour demo play.

      Reply

      • RinceIsIngwer

        March 14, 2014 at 08:51

        Do you need to dl the whole game? Or just the demo part? I remember Sleeping Dogs had a 30 minute demo as well (playing it now, AWESOME).

        Reply

        • General JJ the Fett

          March 14, 2014 at 08:52

          Sleeping Dogs is great.

          Reply

          • RinceIsIngwer

            March 14, 2014 at 08:55

            Yeah, only a few hours in and loving it.

        • HvR

          March 14, 2014 at 08:52

          The few I tried you download the whole game, if you decide to purchase it is 1MB unlock key to download.

          I mostly tried old games and indies so downloads were not that big.

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 08:53

            Cool!

          • RinceIsIngwer

            March 14, 2014 at 08:55

            That is awesome.

  2. Umar Praise The Golden Sun

    March 14, 2014 at 08:36

    Pretty cool . I for one would love to rent say Ground Zero for a few days. R350 for a 1 hour game? Ain’t nobody got…..I mean everyone does have time fo dat, but ain’t nobody got money fo dat!

    Reply

  3. Hammersteyn

    March 14, 2014 at 08:37

    LOL I’d like to see someone finish Dark Souls in seven days.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief of comments

      March 14, 2014 at 08:37

      I’d actually pay to watch that

      Reply

    • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

      March 14, 2014 at 08:39

      You can actually finish that game pretty quickly once you know where you’re going. I’d say a day or less is enough

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        March 14, 2014 at 08:39

        LIES

        Reply

        • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

          March 14, 2014 at 08:42

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:42

            There goes my morning productivity.

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:43

            Haha, indeed. Though most people would never be able to do this lol

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:47

            I always thought I had skills beating DS2 then this asshole comes along.

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:51

            Makes you feel like a naked hollow

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:53

            I’m never leaving the bonfire again 🙁

        • RinceIsIngwer

          March 14, 2014 at 08:52

          With the first game there was a glitch that let you finish it in 15 minutes. The fixed it though 🙁

          Reply

      • Admiral Chief of comments

        March 14, 2014 at 08:39

        “once you know where you’re going”

        That is the key point there 😛

        Reply

        • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

          March 14, 2014 at 08:40

          Indeed lol but it is possible

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 08:41

            But not plausible…

        • Hammersteyn

          March 14, 2014 at 08:40

          Never mind harvesting souls so you can level up.

          Reply

  4. Admiral Chief of comments

    March 14, 2014 at 08:37

    As long as they don’t include download times into the rental period, since we would be screwed here hehehehe

    Reply

  5. HvR

    March 14, 2014 at 08:40

    DionWired special: PS4 + 2xDS4 + Injustice = R8000

    They also do old tech for new tech discount trade ins, but do not know if it applies to consoles.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief of comments

      March 14, 2014 at 08:41

      I actually have some old PC’s in my gaming room….wonder if a few of them can equal good discount on a big TV…

      Reply

      • HvR

        March 14, 2014 at 08:43

        Seem we are out of luck (also have a half dozen old PC’s

        Tech-Trade-In Terms and Conditions:

        Currently only Tablet’s, e-readers, Cellphones or iPods are eligible for Trade-in.
        The product must be in good working condition and have an intact IMEI number.
        All devices should have at least 20% battery charge (as part of the grading process the device must be switched off and on again).
        If the unit does not switch on, a copy of the contract or box with the devices IMEI number must be provided as no trade-in will occur without the correct IMEI number.
        Trade-in value will depend on our evaluation of factors including condition, product age, specifications and documentation.
        In-store estimates may vary. You are responsible for removing any data from your product before evaluation.
        Payment is by DionWired gift card only.
        For complete details and to find an estimate of the product value, see a Customer Specialist in store.
        You must present a valid South African government-issued ID, Passport or drivers license during the trade in process.
        DionWired reserves the right to refuse any trade-in for any reason.

        Important note:
        Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that use iOS 7 and above need to have “Find My iPhone/iPad/iPod” turned off before trade in.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief of comments

          March 14, 2014 at 08:44

          Hmmmmmmm, I actually have about 3-4 old phones, maybe I should try my luck

          Reply

  6. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    March 14, 2014 at 08:43

    Not really keen on the idea of game rentals on PSN+, but I suppose it could help you to decide if a specific game is purchase-worthy. But I doubt I’ll warm up to this idea.

    Reply

    • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

      March 14, 2014 at 08:44

      I wouldn’t mind renting short games like MGR or Dante’s inferno.Both of which of which I finished in a weekend. Hell Dante I sat from 7 the morning and finished the game by 2 in the afternoon

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        March 14, 2014 at 08:48

        They really messed up the last part of tDante’s inferno. The level design didn’t make sense at all.

        Reply

        • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

          March 14, 2014 at 08:51

          Hell no, gosh and got so repetitive as well. And not to mention Satan’s monster dick in your face as well

          Reply

          • General JJ the Fett

            March 14, 2014 at 08:52

            This doesn’t sound like something I want to play.

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:52

            Lol , it’s not a bad game. cool story and art direction. Gameplay can be fun at times too

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:54

            If you get it cheap check it out. Really is a good game

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:52

            The horror, the way it bobs and weaves as he runs after you.

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:53

            Indeed. the girth on that thing

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:54

            I thought he had three legs

          • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

            March 14, 2014 at 08:55

            No wonder Beatrice went to him lol

          • Hammersteyn

            March 14, 2014 at 08:56

            LOL

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        March 14, 2014 at 08:52

        That short? I guess in that sense a rental would have been perfect. I really hate it when you spend a decent amount of money on a game, and then you finish it in a day or a weekend.

        Reply

        • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

          March 14, 2014 at 08:54

          Lol Yup, MGR I didn’t mind at all. Had so much fun with that game. Dante’s Inferno on the other hand….yeah

          Reply

      • ToshZA

        March 14, 2014 at 10:22

        Like any of the Gears of War games.

        Reply

    • Admiral Chief of comments

      March 14, 2014 at 08:45

      Warm banana? Ewwwwww

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        March 14, 2014 at 08:47

        Custard all over a banana split

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief of comments

          March 14, 2014 at 08:52

          Not helping…

          Reply

          • General JJ the Fett

            March 14, 2014 at 08:56

            Warm bananas make me question reality.

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 08:57

            A man should not eat a banana. Sies.

            Banana bread on the other hand, I can dig

          • General JJ the Fett

            March 14, 2014 at 09:23

            Oh man. Banana bread. And I told myself today I’d buy lunch and not pack any in. And the store across the road bakes fresh banana bread.
            What have you done!?

          • Admiral Chief of comments

            March 14, 2014 at 09:25

            Save me some

          • General JJ the Fett

            March 14, 2014 at 09:27

            Will fax you a slice.

          • CAE9872

            March 14, 2014 at 10:19

            There is an art to good banana bread though. Too much banana = NO! Can become squishy! Too little may as well just have bread bread.

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        March 14, 2014 at 08:52

        Hey, I’ll let you know… fried banana with ice cream is amazing!

        Reply

      • Umar Praise The Golden Sun

        March 14, 2014 at 08:58

        So I’ll just say … that warm bananas feels good

        EDIT:….meant taste

        EDIT EDIT:…..does that even help

        Reply

    • RinceIsIngwer

      March 14, 2014 at 08:53

      Explain yourself!

      Reply

  7. Alien Emperor Trevor

    March 14, 2014 at 08:43

    As an extended demo for a day or 2 it’s a good idea, don’t know so much about a week. You can finish a lot of games in only a couple of hours a day.

    Reply

  8. RinceIsIngwer

    March 14, 2014 at 08:51

    This would ROCK. As for publishers, why wouldn’t they be able to get a cut of the rented title? See no reason they shouldn’t. Ahhh Africa, get the internet sorted!

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief of comments

      March 14, 2014 at 08:54

      Eish brother, lets put in a tender!

      Reply

    • Sk3tz0

      March 14, 2014 at 08:57

      Stormers got better chance of winning a game than the internet working in South Africa

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        March 14, 2014 at 08:58

        • Anon A Mouse

          March 14, 2014 at 09:00

          Massive sympathy shown there. Love it.

          Reply

          • ToshZA

            March 14, 2014 at 10:20

            A true beacon of humanity.

        • CAE9872

          March 14, 2014 at 10:17

          whahahahahaha…brilliant!

          Reply

      • General JJ the Fett

        March 14, 2014 at 08:59

        They’re a curling team, aren’t they?

        Reply

        • HvR

          March 14, 2014 at 09:14

          ATM I think they will do better brushing the grass in front of the chiefs with brooms.

          Reply

          • Sk3tz0

            March 14, 2014 at 09:16

            Maybe they should reconsider playing flappy bird rather than rugby

      • RinceIsIngwer

        March 14, 2014 at 09:00

        Eish! And yes :*(

        Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        March 14, 2014 at 09:12

        Too soon 🙁

        Reply

  9. General JJ the Fett

    March 14, 2014 at 08:51

    I remember what a big role demos used to play when I was a kid.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief of comments

      March 14, 2014 at 08:54

      *HUGE
      Fixed

      Reply

      • General JJ the Fett

        March 14, 2014 at 08:55

        That’s what she said.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief of comments

          March 14, 2014 at 08:56

          Indeed, thanks for confirming it John

          Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          March 14, 2014 at 09:07

          Why would she tell you about his vasectomy? :/

          Reply

          • General JJ the Fett

            March 14, 2014 at 09:10

            LOL

    • ToshZA

      March 14, 2014 at 10:19

      I miss demo’s man. So much.

      Reply

  10. Sk3tz0

    March 14, 2014 at 08:55

    Aslong as they dont remove the Playstation PLus free games.. they do what ever they want lol

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      March 14, 2014 at 08:57

      Agreed

      Reply

  11. Anon A Mouse

    March 14, 2014 at 08:55

    Will the rental days only start after the game has been downloaded? Some games might take 7 days just to download..

    Reply

  12. Sk3tz0

    March 14, 2014 at 09:19

    Have to say only games I really rent are Fighting Games.. otherwise jsut dont see the need..

    Reply

  13. General JJ the Fett

    March 14, 2014 at 09:23

    Geoff is pulling out all the stops this week with headers I see.

    Reply

  14. CAE9872

    March 14, 2014 at 10:23

    I like the idea. As long as Sony offers various options to me I am happy. Must admit, and am not being fanboy here, but I want some of the water Sony people are having. They doing good things at the moment.

    I think the MS complex had some hallucinatory drugs in it last year – they are picking up slowly this year. But you do get the idea that they have kind of turned there back on 360 to some extent (Sony as well but feels lesser impact!).

    Interesting times…

    Reply

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