Playing a downloaded game before launch?

[RobG]

I hope this isn't a taboo subject, but I have to admit I'm curious. If you pre-order a game, and it downloads, say, on the Sunday before a Tuesday launch, what would happen if you were to, say, disconnect from the internet, then set the date ahead to the launch date. Anybody ever try it?

I'm sure it wouldn't work and they have that base covered, but I have to admit I'm curious.

Rob

 

[Ridge]

I have no answer, I am simply posting so I am notified when an answer appears. Carry on.

 

[Sekelani]

Nope. Never tried it. Doubt t would work

 

[Haze]

Pretty sure it wouldn't work. Not that I've ever tried.

 

[don_bidarian]

I doubt it works, but it is an interesting theory, maybe you can try it and let us know?

I think they will use more sophisticated methods than just relying on PS4 time setting.

 

[iamthenight90]

iv tried it with smash bros becuase i prepurchased it and its downloaded but cant play it till friday

 

[Ridge]

I feel like this can't possibly work. The system was have to ping a server to unlock or something. This clock thing doesn't seem crafty enough.

iv tried it with smash bros becuase i prepurchased it and its downloaded but cant play it till friday

Nintendo's library is full of game's that allow you to cheat in game systems by changing the clock... So if even they caught this I can't imagine Sony missing it.

 

[zer0ryd3r]

It makes sense that the game manufacturers have some method of keeping the game from working until they release some sort of signal, patch, inner game clock....There has to be some way. I think if your machine is connected to the internet, it may still rely on the actual world clock. Even if you try to change it on your system. This is all speculation though and I would never stay at a Holiday Inn.

 

[RobG]

Yeah that's why I figured disconnecting from the 'net would allow you to update the time yourself. But I do agree, I don't see this actually working. I've been trying to think of how they might get around it... your suggestion of an "unlock code" at the appropriate time makes the most sense. It's reasonable to assume that a downloaded game would mean that the console is connected to the 'net.

Rob

 

[don_bidarian]

Yeah that's why I figured disconnecting from the 'net would allow you to update the time yourself. But I do agree, I don't see this actually working. I've been trying to think of how they might get around it... your suggestion of an "unlock code" at the appropriate time makes the most sense. It's reasonable to assume that a downloaded game would mean that the console is connected to the 'net.

Rob

Maybe you can disconnect from net and wait until release date and see if the game unlocks without connecting to internet, if thats the case then the game might have internal timer or something, if not then probably iit gets the unlock code from the servers.