Ben-DutkaOne might assume that because the PSP Go is download-only, the chance of renting games for the new handheld has flown out the window. But maybe not…
According to an unknown source cited by Fudzilla , Sony has put a "time limit value" on certain gaming and media content. We've known for a while that video content would have an expiration date but if this is the case, wouldn't it be possible to provide PSP Go owners with games that have an "ending point" as well? This would be the epitome of a digital rental: rent the game, play it for a set period of time and when that time is up, it goes away unless you wish to purchase the full product. Also, let's not forget that video game publishers really don't see a dime from rental transactions in the retail world, so if this works out, Sony might find a way to give game makers a small cut of these digital rentals. A whole lot of companies would jump on board fairly quickly and gamers would have a chance to test out titles before buying. It definitely sounds like a potential win-win, although we're relatively certain there are plenty of technical and financial stumbling blocks in the path of this good idea.
We'll let you know if Sony ever announces a rental system of sorts for their sleek new portable, and we're always keeping an eye on the progress of that UMD-to-digital conversion program they're working on…
