Why Anti-Used Game Consoles Could Be A Good Thing

GameRevolution: There have been a slew of next-gen rumors slinging left and right over the past couple of weeks, and none have irked the gaming populace quite as much as anti-used game measures. We've heard talk of it on both the PlayStation and Xbox side of things, so a widespread move could very well be a possibility.

But instead of crying about it, I'm going to try and find a silver lining in all of this mess. Now I know what you're thinking... Is this guy out of his mind? How could limiting the consumer's options possibly be a good thing? Blocking used games will single-handedly destroy retailers like GameStop, bring down rental services like GameFly, and prevent gamers from getting a game on the cheap for making a buck on what otherwise would collect dust.

Believe me, I hear you loud and clear. Blocking used games would have some serious consequences that don't swing in the favor of the consumer, but upon closer inspection, there are also a lot of benefits that should not be overlooked.

[dbjj12088]

I don't buy many used games now, so I'm unsure how I'd feel about the market going away. Obviously Gamestop is worried though.

[alexcosborn]

Can't say I do either, unless I'm looking for some classic that went out of print years ago.

[killcycle]

If used games went away it would mean a raise in the price for all new games in the future.
Less competitive pricing would be terrible and £50 for 1 new game would be a bad idea.

That's what i think the outcome would be.

[knifefight]

@killcycle

Your user name and avatar are references to The Unholy War, one of the most criminally underrated games ever! I officially love you.

[Army_of_Darkness]

Then I would have no problems with blocking of used games cause most of the games I bought recently have been between $20-$40 and that's about 3-5 months after they're release.

Plus I hate Gamestop and hope for the worse for them:-), they screwed me one time to many when I was younger and desperate to get new games...

[jony_dols]

If Sony or MS implement anti-used tech, then they better cap the price of new games at around $40, to compensate for revenue saved.

[Gaming101]

No used games means you can't share your game with a friend to let them try it out and vice versa. It also means you can't sell any games you're not playing anymore. It's great for no one other than publishers. Retailers suffer like Gamestop. Gamers suffer since it destroys their leverage and ability to sell what they own. If you're a shareholder for a gaming publisher then of course you're going to be happy about this. If you're a gamer, you're anyone else, you're going to hate it.

[LOGICWINS]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. Its gunna happen at some point anyways when everything goes digital. My concern is how I will be able to let a friend borrow a game or play a game at his house.

[Enate]

Oh yea? tell that to the ruling that came down in EU awhile back that gave you the right to resell your digital games.

[The_KELRaTH]

I haven't purchased a used game for years. The reason I did so wasn't to save money it was because I couldn't buy it new at the time.
But this doesn't mean I want my freedom to choose removed just because corporate wants more profit.
Maybe they could save more money just sacking these departments whose role is just to work out ways to save a few pence and concentrate on creating brand loyalty rather than resentment.

They should stop forcing the market and allow it to change naturally - which it will (like the way we now rent movies via Lovefilm/Netflix rather than Blockbuster)

[TrendyGamers]

Good points.

[Ulf]

So very sad, how many people can't see the benefits of Steam-ifying console games. GameStop laughs their way all the way to the bank with the loyalty of their sheep.

Cheap games is why PC gamers adore Steam. To not believe that the SAME publishers wouldn't want to do the same in another digital marketplace is just plain stupid.

[theWB27]

How are they sheep if that's the main place to buy and sell used games? Some places, like where I live, don't have a mom n pop store to go to. Or a Blockbuster and all they're stuck with is Gamestop.

Most gamers arent PC gamers, so we dont benefit from Steam what so ever. Like everyone says...internet is not everywhere like some people want to believe, and in most places it isnt fast enough to support online gaming, and downloads.

[ChocolateGiddyUp]

I bought Assassin's Creed for $30 on Black Friday...

...then I sold it a month later for $45 on eBay.

[Ulf]

@theWB27

" we dont benefit from Steam what so ever"

That's pretty much my point. Why would you not want dirt cheap games delivered right to your machine at any time, again?

[doctorstrange]

The only good thing is what it'd do to GameStop

[knifefight]

Article: "Games Will Be Cheaper, Have Larger Discounts"

I dunno about that. In terms of economics, customers having *fewer* options has rarely led to prices going *down*. It's usually the opposite.

[alexcosborn]

But there'd be more options in the digital space, no?

As boxed games begin to fade in relevancy, Microsoft and Sony will have to compete with Steam's super low prices if they hope to find success with their online stores. We're already seeing glimmers of that now with PlayStation Plus.

[knifefight]

I meant options as in, options on how you buy the game. If you take away "Physical Used" and add nothing that doesn't exist already, that's one less, not one more, and not an equal number.

[alexcosborn]

Gotcha. I see what you mean from a retail perspective.

[Ulf]

Steam, and its ilk, say hello. Same publishers as those who print console discs. Same competition.

[knifefight]

Right, but that currently exists, from what I understand.

[animegamingnerd]

do people forget things like the game going out of print and buying it use is the only way you can get the game?

[sithsylar]

Yep exactly. They do forget but its a case of battered person syndrome and obeying their master aka brand/console.

[V0LT]

With the digital age those days are coming to an end.

[BanBrother]

Also, it would suck for the people who live in countries where game prices are literally double that of the U.S.

Sometimes buying used is the only option for older games. I support the good developers, but I can't afford every game day 1. Sometimes there are no new copies left at a reasonable price. I highly doubt that they would reduce prices as well, businesses are greedy and will want the same amount of money they were getting last year.

Some good is that developers will have increased sales, but the bad is what annoys me. Sharing a game with your friend, playing it on a siblings console etc.

There are good and bad things about this. At the end of the day, I'd prefer MY money for my family, not a businesslike EA or Activision. (Also, how could you take back a really crappy game? The industry has no quality control any more)

[XboxInnovation]

Nah it will make the industry stagnant. You think people only play cod now? you ain't seen nothing yet if this happens.

[Enate]

That's what I said, people are already really cautious about what they buy with dlc gouging an the likes. Having the ability to put your game in one console and not being able to share your games between family and friends. Man people would only buy the games they were 100% sure about an that is rare these days as it is.

This year alone I have passed on games that when announced I thought I would get day one for sure. Though being a gamer like most without infinite funds I choose my day 1 purchases carefully. So far this year I have picked up Ni No Kuni an Fire Emblem Awakening both fully worth it an then some. Then along came Dead Space 3 another game I thought I'd go in on day 1 no sweat.

Then once the release date came an went I find myself still sitting here wondering if I should purchase it or just go for a rent. Even though I bought Dead Space 2 day 1 after loving Dead Space 1. An with the thought of being forced buy a game for a sole console an not being able to share it pfft my decisions are going to become a lot more complex.

Honestly one of the biggest advantages consoles had over pc was that I could bring a game over to a friends house. Let someone borrow it or play it in one of my PS3's in any room I chose to. Like I mentioned above though when this argument comes up some people get tunnel vision. An only think about the retail side an not how it would effect them.

[LordHiggens]

Call me the old guy sticking his money in the mattress but I like to have a physical copy of my games you know? Case in point the guy that dicked over by Nintendo and lost over 400 bucks of digital downloads and only got 200 bucks of credit to compensate...material games need to be around. At least in my opinion.

[Enate]

Exactly

[00]

you'll get charged out the ass because there will be fewer alternatives to buying games.

[kostchtchie_]

i hope this happens, a lot of vultures within the gaming industry will fall to there knees, it would also hurt publishers and developers, the gaming industry needs a massive shake up

[sithsylar]

I never thought about it like that and yeah i kind of agree. We need the power back instead of being bent over and taking it dry.

[kostchtchie_]

used game retail shops have been ripping of gamers for years, along with publishers, but the real blame lies at gamers feet for feeding these people

if this went through and people could not sell there games, how many people would then be forced to pick and choose games, would you buy 4-5hr game over open world game that gives you lots of re playability?

games market is over flowing with clones of clones of clones, were do these Publishers and developers think there low sales come from, you can only blame piracy and 2nd hand sales for so long, and publisher have nerve to moan they take the most cut along with there shareholders, and gamers pay for this... the laughable thing is developers crying also that they don't make enough yet, kneel down before these publishers and there demands, and because they have not got the balls to stand up to these people they blame gamers...pfft

i still believe if you get rid of big corporate publishers and shareholders, developer would be better off in the long run, along with gamers, cheaper games, maybe even see rise in game quality and better developer<>gamers relations

and that disagree was not from be :P

[delboy]

I'm with you, we need a gaming crash like in the 80's again.
But who will come up and save us this time?

[Dfooster]

Oh look a new IP. Not sure I'm going to like this it looks too different to what I'm used to. 6 months later, oh look that game is second hand for £20. Actually at that price I'm going to give it a go. Oh wow I love this game is there a sequel coming out? Oh yes there is I'm queuing up at midnight to buy this...

Don't underestimate the power of the second hand market, and don't pretend it doesn't also benefit publishers by bringing their games to a wider audience, especially where cash cow sequels are concerned.

[RuleofOne343]

I don't buy used games to start ,but his points due make senses & seem valid. so no matter the direction console makers or developers go am with them cause I already buy new.

[kostchtchie_]

Exactly Dfooster, 100% agree, they must be on some seriously good dope if they think 2nd hand does not help them

what about all people that always buy new, re sell and re buy new again... there is circle to 2nd hand sales

@witwicky343 but do you sell games witwicky?

not everyone in world can afford to buy new games, not every child/adult/gamer can purchase every new game at full price

people honestly think games will be cheaper in digital form? steam still sells so called AAA games at full price, yes they have there season sales, but will every gamer wait for them? how will these publishers make there money then if people wait for 75% of sales?

[RuleofOne343]

I give the games I don't want to play anymore or save to my brothers. Also this fear of high priced game have already occurred during the years I have been gaming, so paying & buying high priced games is not something am concerned about.

[deadfrag]

NO!POWER AND DECISION TO THE CONSUMER!But at this point if this tends to happen what we most likely will see is a great crash in the videogame industry,people will start buying lesser and lesser titles and the industry will end up crashing,but the greedy publisher seem to think otherwise,we all know that the norm is things happenning the contrary to what this greedy bastards think.Maybe a crash down will put things back on track again!Insted of buying three a month i will buy one after the price comes down,and buying games at release day would be a no go for me too!Im sick of sequels that dont bring nothing new to gamers and only serve to keep full the pockets of greedy companys.This industry needs a shake and we gamers need new and better game experiencies,if they want a crash let it come,i can handle.

[deadfrag]

lol my backlog is big!

[delboy]

But if you buy day one you get the full game with all dlc included.
And if you choose to wait for a price drop, you end up paying more than on day one.
Man these greedy bastards have many dirty tricks left.
Being a gamer nowadays is not a funny hobby like it used to be.

[Hicken]

Why do people think publishers will pass the savings along if games go all-digital? That's the only way you can REALLY get rid of the used market.

And what if I buy a game I don't like? How do I get my money back on a crappy digital title?

[selits]

I'm mainly a PC gamer now and don't care about used games but I don't think they should block it. I think stores that sell used games should figure out an agreement with developers and publishers so they all can get something from used games sales.

[level 360]

Monopolization is a far worst situation even for the people who are involved with those sorts of companies.

Full control is only good for small businesses because it can be monitored but in large companies...

Look at the big picture and not what's just in front of you.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

I can see this hurting Publishers more than anyone. People will make more concious purchases when it comes to games. These multimillion seller games are going to fall short of their previous entries etc.. because of this, I feel. I'd feel cheated paying $60+ for a download... nothing about it seems smart/safe/worth while...

The internet has brought us more bad than good to gaming!

We had more complete all around games with better quality and less BS before this Gen! games are becoming like professional sports athletes.... I feel damn near 95% of games/atheletes are overpaid for what they actually deliver upon!

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

it's all about the money and less about the game!

[USMC_POLICE]

Two things that ruined the industry used games and call of duty 5 and up.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Releasing games before being finished, condoning patching games as being okay to do, on disc DLC, withheld content that was intended to be in the initial release that is held back to be paid DLC, paid online... theres PLENTY more SERIOUS problems in the gaming industry than the 2 you named!

[ftwrthtx]

If a fully digital only console is ever released, then Gamestop needs to worry.

[metalgod88]

It's great for the game companies sure, but times are hard on a lot of people. Used games/borrowed games not only save you from buyers remorse, but can save quite a bit of money for the things that you really need. Of course, if you're needing money that bad, buying games probably wasn't the best choice....

[hazelamy]

"Those who buy a game used are contributing absolutely nothing to the people who poured their blood, sweat, and tears into crafting that experience. Instead, online sellers, GameStop, etc. are the ones who collect all of that profit. Call me crazy, but isn't something wrong with that picture?"

bull.

if i buy preowned copy, i can be sure they got paid for it.

and buying used means the stores can keep offering trades ins which means more games get sold.

i guaran-damn-tee sales will go down if preowned sales are blocked.

it's ironic that ea are one of the main pushers of this anti preowned jihad when they probably rely on the trade in more than anybody else, with their annual identikit sequels.

but yeah, let's look for the silver lining.
for me, if these schemes are actually implemented, the silver lining is the next generation is gonna be really cheap for me. ^_^

and prices will go down? o_O

if you believe that, well, i've got this bridge for sale you might be interested in.

[tiffac008]

Unable to borrow games from my friends doesn't sound too appealing to me.

[Tzuno]

keep it on the old ways people. no harm until now so why change? is a trap.