EA executive Patrick Soderlund has told Eurogamer that the company hasn't made a decision with regard to used games on next-gen platforms saying they'll "probably" allow it. This follows comments from EA COO Peter Moore who informed Polygon that the company did not lobby Microsoft to place restrictions on used games.
Solderlund said "We don't have a problem with second-hand sales as they are today. We clearly articulated our stance when we abandoned Online Pass."
EA dropped the controversial pass program in response to user feedback but some feared they had only done so in order to enfroce restristive DRM policies on Xbox One and PS4. While the Xbox One has blocks on how games, both single and multiplayer, can be shared Sony are keeping their existing PS3 DRM policy for PS4 – meaning the online (and only the online) aspects of games on the console can be restricted by publishers.
Soderlund added "We obviously have to look at what the first-parties are doing and follow any rules, but we have to scramble after these [E3] conferences and come back to what we think is right. But again, our general thesis is what the fans tell us they want, we'll give them."
Eurogamer hinted that fans wanted to be able to buy used to which he responded "Then we'll look at that. And if they want that then we will probably allow that."
EA had been suspected of lobbying Microsoft and Sony for used games blocks but Moore says that simply isn't the case "As the guy who is the chief operating officer of Electronic Arts I can tell you that EA did not aggressively lobby for the platforms holders to put some gating function in there to allow or disallow used games.
"I am on record as being a proponent of used games. I like the ecosystem. I like the fact it's kept our pricing at a good level for eight years. I like the fact that someone can buy a physical game and see some equity in the game. That keeps GameStop vibrant and they are a great launch and marketing partner for us.
"EA has never had a conversation, and I have been present at all of them, with all of the manufacturers, saying you must put a system in place that allows us to take a piece of the action or even stop it. Absolutely incorrect."
Earlier this week EA labels' president Frank Gibeau said the company wants to stop being "hated"; not restricting used games on next-gen consoles would be a good place to start.
