The used game debate is one that shows no sign of slowing down, with most publishers ironically (read: hypocritically) raging such capitalistic practices. We've covered the majority of these outbursts, arguing time and again that secondhand games are a basic part of trade and commerce, and that game publishers shouldn't try and be special exceptions to the rule. Luckily, it seems a few people get that, not least Microsoft's Chris Lewis.
"I'm a fan of the ecosystem overall," explains the EMEA VP. "I can see the positive in it, because I can see that what you then get is more and more people touching, playing, experiencing a game that they may not otherwise have access to.
"I think you've got to try and extract some positive from it, and that's undoubtedly a good factor -- a positive swirl of ecosystem that results. Clearly it's a reality, and certain retailers are very focused and spend a lot of time on it. It's good business for them."
Lewis' opinion is grounded and realistic, and it's great that he's able to pick his positives out of the whole situation. Naturally of course, the Microsoft man would like to see more money made out of each sale, and is among those who view DLC as a way of doing so:
"I think things like premium downloadable content, and that kind of thing, will ultimately play a part in used games - and that's not me saying that it's a great way for us to try and minimize that. I think it will be a great enhancement to the way that people experience games. If some additional content is available via the Xbox Live service, for instance, that further enriches the game experience and might encourage folks to hang on their games for a bit longer."
I wish more publishers (and people within Microsoft) thought the way Lewis does. I would be so much happier forking out extra money to people who believed in rewarding and encouraging their consumers, rather than spend their time whining about not making an extra million dollars.
Contest:
3:00 PM on 02.23.2009
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I remember some suggestions a while back about a possible business plan where a game'sending is sold as DLC!!! Jesus Christ, that's a bit extreme.
We're already seeing games that, pre-release, hype up future for-purchase DLC! Before players can even decide if the game is worth purchase!
Ah well. In 5 years it'll all be digital downlaods anyway. Might as well enjoy preowned while it lasts.
These be dark waters we be treading in.
I buy used games, because I seriously do not feel like spending $60 on a new game. I've seen game prices jump in the past decade, and I fear that it may keep escalating. Why isn't EA being fined by the EPA for producing way too many copies of basically the same game? I know there's a few landfills that are full of EA Sports games (right above the deposit of E.T. Cartridges.) When are those fuckers going to learn how to patch and update their software.. oh wait.. then they can't charge you full price for a roster update.. bah.. I think this is why I hate sports games.
If Bluray becomes big, I suspect that digital downloads will slow. If not, then physical media's days are numbered.
The funny things is that Valve has learned that by selling the game for much less they can actually increase their earnings. You'll never see that in the console arena though.
In a more perfect world I do wish the developers got a slice of the used game sales as it is ultimately their work that is generating money for a different company.
Oh and whoever thought of putting a game's ending as DLC should be shot.
That what I was always taught and I'm finally seeing the benefits of such a lesson.
No, it just looked better smaller, as an aside. It's actually part of a series of header images I started doing like, well over a year ago, but I don't think anybody picked up on what I was doing.
Also, nobody will pick up on it this time.
Otherwise without the used game market, I wouldn't have been able to score Gradius 5, Slipheed and Castle Shikagami 2 in the last 2 weeks. Sure I could've gone on Ebay but I always lose or I forget to make another bid untill its too late.
When I want new, I shop elsewhere. When I want several years old and relatively common, I shop there.