What do you think of using a credit card to play online games?

I was so proud of myself yesterday morning connecting my son's PS2 to our wireless network :-)

Now I learn that all his friends who play online play at a level that requires credit card verification (there's no charge it's to keep cheaters and disruptors out).

My first reaction was a big NO but I'm usually such a rule-follower and maybe I need to loosen up and this is not as big a deal as I'm making it.

My son is very trustworthy - I know he wouldn't start downloading billable content, so that's not really an issue.

What would make you feel secure about entering your credit card number into a PS2?

NOT wireless but connected online and enter the data on a website.

I would assume that if the wirless network is secured then the credit card data would be encrypted and not accessible by anyone not on your netowrk.

look possible.

The slippery slope...

slope. Unless of course I say NO to everything.

I might actually use it for that purpose then. Otherwise, I'm not big on using a credit card at all if possible. I especially don't bank or do bills online. I just don't trust hackers.

Put like 20 bucks on it...I would think the online service might take it.

hate that you have to pay more for them than the dollar value and they start charging if you don't use it by a certain time. I assume they all work that way.

Another ponzi scheme for corporate Amurkkka.

I think in many states there is legislation pending that would eliminate the expiry on them though.

I'm thinking of, it's okay to use your credit card. I did it about two months ago, with no repercussions. Just be sure to tell your son to treat the girls who play with respect!

And I've had no problems.

since he's a newbie you'd probably be running circles around him anyway:-)

It seems bizarre that they want your credit card and yet they are charging nothing. Many sites track cheaters through their IP addresses.

I mean, I have no problem paying a fee if it's a game I really like but in general it seems odd. Mind sharing the game - I'm good at sniffing out this stuff.

I wouldn't worry about it. The information won't be stored, for example, in your son's memory card, or on an accessible part of the PS network.

I must admit that as a longtime player of networked PS2 games I wonder what game they have that requires CC# verification? Can you tell us the title?

claims they've had 100,000 players verify with cc.

it doesn't say anything anywhere about CC#s for verification. If you go here

http://us.playstation.com/Content/OGS/SCUS-97474/Site/main.asp

and click on "Game Info" you can read the FAQ and download a PDF of the manual.

Why does your son think he needs a CC#? Have you seen a screen pop or something that asks for it?

ON EDIT -

I found a forum discussing this very issue. Apparently the CC# is to age verify the players (or establish permission for the kids to play) and allows the Sony network to track the players Clan (if they are a clan member), rank (which they get for completing missions), and buddy list.

Here is the discussion -

http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=shooter&message.id=52469

He can play online now but he is playing with strangers, all his friends play together in a clan (I think).

Sony uses a closed network, so PC based players, for example, of games that have PS2 counterparts, don't play on the same network. I would assume that it is more than relatively safe.

getting their parents cc's.

The buddy list and clan is what is important to my son, and honestly I'd rather have him play with kids he knows.

so that the database can track progress, link buddies, and match groups with their specific clan tags.

has several unique numbers, any of which could be used to verify player (really it verifies the DVD being used).

the accessories, you buy the game, and then you pay to play? That is insane. I am an on-line gamer myself (PC), but I've never paid to actually play except in tournaments (which pays us when we win, like a bowling league). Wow, what a rip off.
On the topic, your CC# is as safe as it is anywhere, which is to say, not very. If you do on-line purchasing at all you run a risk, but no more than say Amazon or Priceline.

hints that they may offer enhancements (not fixes) to the game that would be billable.

There are some game consoles (I think X-Box) that playing online is pay to play.

games for free through my PC, and the console players suck. This is doubly crappy because I was thinking of getting the PS3 when it comes out. :(

He got another online game - World Series of Poker, I think and that doesn't require cc verification. I think Socom 3 is the only game that requires it. This is the reasoning:

"More than 100,000 players log into SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs everyday to play. As fans of the franchise know, it's no fun playing with cheaters and those who try to exploit the game for their own advantage. To address this in SOCOM 3, we are using a common practice of requiring verified accounts for players who choose to participate in features such as ranked games and clan challenges.

The main reason SOCOM 3 verifies accounts through a credit card is to encourage unique accounts and fair play (no cheating or exploits) in ranked games and clan challenges."

http://socomblog.typepad.com/socom/2005/10/socom_3_no_chea.html

play. SoCom is just a military recruitment tool (I think it was originally developed by the US Army).
Brothers in Arms is different (more realistic, super-soldiering will just get you killed) but very good too. :freak:

friends thing. His hockey teammates and his poker buddies all play Socom.

and it is a recruiting tool developed for the military...

Cpl. Flanker says "Gotcha"

similar to a gift card or phone card. If you are worried about putting your CC number out there, you can try one of these.

No problem with it.

so he's going to try that first. If not I think I'm OK with the cc.