Edge-Online reports that the Electronic Merchants Association released the results of a study that shows that the games industry could boost its sales by $6B if they are able to implement “benefit-denial” technology.

What is “benefit-denial” technology? This is the tech that is used to activate gift cards, where a cashiers activation is required in order to actually used the item. How would this help in the case of music CD’s, DVD’s, Games and Blu-Rays? Does this mean that my proposed use of CD-Keys (a la vintage PC games) would be crossing over into the console games?

Brad’s Take: The article on Edge does show that this isn’t a safety measure towards piracy, but for theft and shoplifting. Still, a part of me really feels that they are developing this technology in the hopes of one reason: dissolving the used game market.

Think about it: If you need a key to activate a game, you’ll need the key in order to install or play the game as well. This could mean that the code would be attached to that system with that game. Unless it’s exactly like the vintage PC games, at which you have to hope that GameStop doesn’t allow people to trade in games without manuals or covers.

Still, I know what it SAYS in this article, but what do you think the true purpose of this is?

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