It looks like the credit card is increasingly becoming the age checker of choice for video game publishers. I received an email this morning from a SOCOM 3 fan who points out that Sony is requiring gamers to enter a credit card number to start a friends list or join or create a clan. This is most likely being done to weed-out underage players since the game is rated M for mature. Of course it will also weed out those who don't have the financial posterity to own a credit card or the desire to commit economic hari-kari via bloated interest rates and annual fees. And don't even get me started on the privacy issued. I understand the need for age checking, and certainly getting someone to enter their date of birth doesn't swing it, but there's got to be a better way then credit cards. Just don't ask me what it is.

I Hate You Sony and Zipper for your CC verification thingie [Playstation Forums, thanks Jason]

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