Would Microsoft Spring a Trap Card on Sony by Blocking Used Game Sales?

New leaks have lead to another round of rampant speculation about whether or not Microsoft will indeed end up restricting or outright eliminating used games on their console. The new evidence suggests that the “Durango,” as it’s currently called, will require an installation of a game to the hard disk and won’t even have optical drive support. Also worrying is an “always connected” descriptor that some are interpreting as evidence for some sort of always on DRM. With Microsoft giving everyone a firm “no comment,” we’re left to speculate that this could be the first console to actually do away with used games, as Sony has stated the PS4 will continue to play them.-Forbes

[NYC_Gamer]

That tactic makes sense profit wise but its very anti consumer

[TopDudeMan]

Agreed. They certainly wouldn't win any fans over with a move like that.

[zeee]

No, I believe SONY is on the right track. The article assumes a lot of things that they should not. M$ will have to deal with a huge mess if they block out the used games and in this game, it seems that they are going that route.

What does worry me is if that they do go down, and Sony completely dominates like it did back in PS2 days, we'll have less of a competition. We NEED all big three companies pushing each other for competition. Today's economy is not what we had back in 2002. It's completely different so we need competition more than ever.

What also worries me more is PIRACY. I can't believe that at least I haven't read a single article that debates over this topic. If PS4 and 720 are based on PC architecture, you can bet your horses that they WILL be hacked. Look at PS3 and then look at 360. Sony PS3 was much more "closed" than 360 and thus, it hasn't been hacked as much as 360. Developing nations love this as they can't always afford to buy new games let alone used one so they end up pirating games. So IMHO, piracy could play a major role come next-gen. It'd mean more console sales but what good are console sales if there are no software profits? I do believe however that every pirate ends up buying legitimate copy but it takes them a lot of time to reach that point.

Sony is bleeding money left and right and Windows 8 along with Surface sales are well below expectations. Wii U sales are below par as well.

Like I said, today's economy and tech world is completely different than 10 years ago. We need all these companies making profit so there is a healthy competition. Consumers only benefit from a healthy competition.

[ThanatosDMC]

I hope you know what MS wants to do with Win 8 to mess up PC gaming. They basically want to smear their crap on all future games that will use Windows. Devs have to pay them for licensing. They're trying to be make an Apple Store without the competition. Win 8 wants to take Steam, Origin, and all those other online distributors place so they can rake in the money.

I hope they fail hard.

[zeee]

To all the people who are disagreeing:

It's 100% OK if anyone disagrees with me but I'd like to know why? Really, I'd love to know your views on this too. Would love to have a nice and productive discussion.

[nosferatuzodd]

this is what I've bin telling people about Microsoft.
They were never a costumer friendly company they try to get in every industry a f@ck it up- excuse my language with their greed, i cant see how people fallow this company like a said i have no problem with Xbox its Microsoft i dont like

[Ezz2013]

just one thing i want to know ...
how's that "makes sense profit wise" ...when it's "very anti consumer" ?!

isn't that mean no one will buy their console which mean no profit for them ?!

[monkeyfox]

@ZEEE

The reason people are disagreeing with you as far as i can see is for comments like "the market is very different from 10 years ago.... we need them to make profit.." Yes you are right its a different market, Its 10 times the size and companies now make more money now than they ever have in the history of gaming! Even with piracy and used games this is still the case!! You are maybe thinking about the way publishers screw developers??!

And also microsoft wont "go down" as you put it.. thats extremely unlikely - Always online would be unpopular with some but it would surely circumvent hacked systems quite easily.. even if microsoft did go down through some crazy sequence of events the market is so big now that another company will just step up to take a piece of the pie in their place.

[delboy]

M$ doesn't care about consumers, see live subscription.
And still they managed to sell 70+millions consoles.
That means that the majority doesn't care about dlc, online fee or online/season passes.
M$ is smart when it comes to making money, and there is no reason to change the formula.

[HiddenMission]

@delboy

The issue is XBLG set a standard that could not be matched for several years and now it is and for free. With more and more gamers/consumers opting for PSN for it's free nature or even PSN + for all the free titles the playing field had been leveled.

That was all in the past with PS3 being the lead console for media streaming it showed that gamers do not prefer to pay a fee just to gain access to pay another fee to access their streaming services. If PS4 continues this business model with all the new features the landscape of fees versus services will be in Sony's favor.

Now add in the social connections that PS4 adds and unless XBLG becomes free MS's business model will be in a very bad situation.

Couple that with rumor that MS's intentions is to get you to cancel your cable services and opt for XBLG as an alternative raises a ton of other questions...like what will be the major incentive to make you switch...smaller fees, yearly price...some sort of contract. These are things we don't know but have already pushed a large portion of core gamers away from the idea of signing up for the next XBOX.

[StrawHatPatriot]

XBL used to be worth it ENTIRELY, but now, considering that many other boxes - PS3, Roku, Apple TV, Wii U, etc. all do the SAME THING for FREE, it's not worth it anymore.

[delboy]

You're delusional if you think Ms can't match Sony's PS+ offer.
I think Ms will come with far far better service then PS+, and will offer more bang for your buck.
They will pack more features and inovation in next box, and that's not a tuff challange when you see what ps4 has to offer.
A nonfunctional touch pad... meh, share button is a joke at best, and streaming games, well we all know how good that works.
Ms is more into software then Sony, just look at xbox os vs ps3 os.
And never ever forget the reason why Ms entered the console buisness in the first place. ;-)

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Delboy, He is not saying that xbox services features are useless or PS+ is better. he is pointing out that why would you pay a fee and then you cn go online then when you want netflix youll pay it again?? unlike in PSN you just need to pay the netflix app and not go through online fee like microsoft does. It seems you are bashing the ps4? share button a joke? nonfunctional pad?? social features should be shared? and nonfunctional?? they have not yet even said the functions and your assuming its useless its just for design?? Go ahead defend microsoft and xbox, always on drm and banned used games are one of the best features.... I dont know if your just a troll or looking for a fan fight

[monkeyfox]

@delboy
NO company cares about consumers deep down... Its all about who can give off the appearance that they arent trying to screw you while they.. erm... screw you. And thats fine.. IF we get perceived value for money and great products.

[negative]

I'm an XBL Gold subscriber for 10 years now and I will continue to pay for a top of the line service.

I have never had a better online gaming experience than I do now with XBL. I have a PS3 and NEVER play online games on it. Just isn't as community friendly.

Maybe the PS4 will change this. I'm completely open to Sony's console. But for now I stay primarily MS because I am overly satisfied with their products and service.

Thank you for reading!

[Mike134nl]

besides the speculation, in some way it makes sense profit wise. However assuming that gamers who play used games do not result in a direct or indirect (net)profit for the platform-holder seems far fetched.

[Drekken]

Everything MS does is very anti-consumer. I am not just talking about gaming consoles here.

[ThanatosDMC]

Pennywise, is that you?

On topic: Agreed.

[BDSE]

If you read the article you'd see that actually it makes no sense profit wise whilst being at the same time very anti-consumer.

[wastedcells]

Microsoft will always do what's best for the bottom line. Just like live subscriptions.

[blind-reaper]

If you fuck the consumer you will not see many profits, so it doesn't make sense profit wise.

[jerethdagryphon]

It would only work if people bought the 720 I for one wouldn't I share games between my ps3 here and my ps3 stateside when im on holiday. If people knew out of the box no used games. That means no trade ins either so you finish a game your stuck with it. They wouldn't buy it except after price drops for the exclusive s sony would sell more consoles and more titles at full price

[EbeneezerGoode]

Exactly, they also think blocking used games would only block people who BUY used games. Have said this before - i NEVER buy used games but i sell games I've bought new when i've finished with them! I BUY them for those stupid high prices purely because I have that safety net of selling it on if I think it's crap or selling it on when fully done - getting maybe half my money back? and buying MORE *NEW* games with the money!! IT keeps the market fluid

A dick move like this would block a percentage of people from ever buying their console (and games) in the first place, people who would/could only afford used games, and people like me who buy lots of NEW games and can recoup costs a little. Those used buyers are doing no harm, as they would just not buy at all if no used games - and people like me will buy far less games if I can't sell them on when done! I hate the idea of 100s of plastic discs gathering dust in a room not being able to be 'recycled' for fear of the 1000s of pounds invested in them!

I can't wait until MS fuck up AGAIN with yet another ill thought out scheme (like Windows 8, and Surface RT) and realise what I could have told them even without being an expert in the industry.

Bloody idiots. They'll learn eventually. The only way to keep sales high while blocking used is to HALVE THE PRICE of new games! They can't have their cake and eat it! THere will be NO piracy (we can assume for many years) on the new consoles, blocked used games too, so HOW do you now justify your stupid high $60 prices for games? THey always blamed piracy and used games but if they can't anymore then they had better lower the price.

[madpuppy]

lowering the price of games will never happen, it's like when the music industry stated way back that with the advent of cd's production costs would drop drastically, because cd's only cost pennies to press, the retail price of cd's would be half of any other format before them, and that never happened. cd's were as much, if not more than records and tapes.

[EbeneezerGoode]

Didn't say it 'would happen', am all too aware it won't. Instead there'll be a crash when people can no longer justify paying so much for games they can't recoup some cash back from.

[stuntman_mike]

How about a percentage of used sales goes to the developer, maybe they could make a law for it or something then at least the developers would see some money back off used games. then again doing that they would probably raise the price of used games?

[Alcohog]

Good point. Could you even rent games??

[Tapani]

How about guidelines to regulate the used-games market without being anti-customer:

Rule: Customer can buy used games only as many new games he bought in that particular store.

This way the market would be extremely easy to navigate and analyze, while encouraging the customers to buy new games. They could even sell unlimited amount of used-games on that particular shop to buy new games. That would increase competition between retailers and that's a good thing for the customer.

It would keep the market super fluid and everybody wins.

[rainslacker]

I actually find that particular rule to be very anti-consumer. It pretty much locks in a person to a particular store if they want the benefit of being able to buy used. It decreases competition, and forces the consumer to buy new at multiple places should they wish to buy used at multiple places. In addition a consumer may be locked out of a used game sale unless they were willing to purchase a new game at the same time.

It would also mean that the consumer would be forced to register with a particular store in some way...such as the Best Buy RZ card, or Power Up rewards card from GameStop. Now that may not be that big a deal to many, but some people are very weary of signing up for this kind of stuff, because that information can be sold, and it's used as a way to track customer buying habits. That percentage is small of course, but it's still anti-consumer to have to force someone to use such a service to get that benefit.

It also gives little incentive for a store to advertise it's used deals(such as GameStop b2g1 free promotions). It also means stores that track their customers buying habits for how many used vs. new games are brought can statistically sit down and see how little they have to discount titles to get them to sell.

And it doesn't make the market fluid...it makes it more complex. Retailers, despite how silly they seem, do not want to make things complex. They really have no interest in cutting out the used game market. If it is done, it will be on the part of the console manufacturers and publishers. They may be willing to work with publishers on a compromise, but publishers can't really regulate the retail market to that degree. Doing so is pretty much price fixing...and I'm sure there is a proper legal term for this exact scenario.

I know you probably made that up off the top of your head and didn't mean it as the way it had to be done, I just thought I'd point it out.

@jakens below

That is probably how it would be done. It's just an extension of the online pass. Sony's patent from last year was speculated to be for just such a thing(if not for complete removal of used games). There are downsides of course. What it comes down to is that the consumer right now just isn't ready to let go of the used market. Retail also isn't at a place where it can survive without it. Those issues have to be resolved before any real headway is made in limiting the resale of games. It's a clear scenario where the consumer has most of the power, and it is up to us to keep it by not accepting anti-consumer practices.

[Jakens]

It might turn out that every game has an Unlock User code on the disk (itself) and if used once, the next guy will be paying an unlock fee to play it after inputing that code to the menu screen.

Sure hope internet is not required to play my games.

No one that I have talked to wants to pay twice for something they own. No one that I have talked to like paying for a service that could be down at any time and for any reason. No one likes being screwed out of their freedom to enjoy something less than you did during a past generation.

If this current generation has not been good to you, the next one will also not be so good to you.

[dumahim]

The person quoted seems to think there's two types of people in the world. People who only buy used games and people who only buy new games. He doesn't seem to factor in the rest.

I've maybe bought 2 used games in the last decade, and I know for sure that if they blocked used games beyond, say, a 2 year window after release of the game, I won't be buying the next Xbox.

[PrinterMan]

Sorry, but I don't believe it makes sense profit wise at all for Microsoft. How many people ONLY play used games. I'd say none. Most gamers want to be first for the games they desire most and won't wait for sales or used games. Any company that does this will taint their reputation to the general public. Also, this article is based on the fact that the sale of a console offers no profit to Microsoft or that they will buy nothing online from Microsoft. Too many holes in this profit theory.

Just my opinion however.

[Jek_Porkins]

I usually buy around 50 games a year, 40 are usually new and the rest used, but I also bring games over to a buddy's house and game, I also rent via Gamefly, so I prefer there to be used games.

I don't see Microsoft allowing people to rent games via Gamefly for only Sony and Nintendo consoles, same with walking into a Gamestop, they aren't going to allow the Microsoft brand not to be evident.

I'm excited to finally hear some real news on their next console, not conjecture and rumors.

[maniacmayhem]

I also do Gamefly, religiously.

MS (or Sony) blocking used games and cutting Gamefly out would be the ultimate deal breaker and I would be strictly WiiU.

[Captain Tuttle]

I feel like my IQ dropped 10 points reading that article.

[Godmars290]

This doesn't even address the rental market. That it wont even exist on the Xbox3.

[TheKayle]

no i think ms will trap sony on the power lvl

[keabrown79]

They are also not accounting for people to trade in used games towards the purchase of new games. His argument wasn't very thought out in the grand scope of things.

[Tales RPG addict]

My friends and I play fighting games and bring them to play on each others PS3's. So yeah this may increase profits but will this help Microsoft Overall next Generation. Not as much since the "Required Always Online" will punish XBOX owners, and they speculate nothing but Bullshit. they think oh Multiplatform games will be delayed on PS4. BULLSHIT they won't cause PS4 is easy to develop for like PC. Don't give me that Bullshit of lies.

[kassler]

People who buy used games, at least some of them buys dlc. And with microtransitions coming to every game, used games will bring in some money to the developers.

[MakiSaad2]

Lets Duel

[DarkZane]

Sony are pretty much guaranteed to win even if Microsoft allow used games. If they indeed block, Sony are literally gonna destroy them next-gen.

It doesn't matter if you make more money with software if no one buys the next xbox because they can't trade their games back or rent them.

[Williamson]

I sometimes borrow a game from a friend and he in return borrows one from me, ive also purchased used games when I cant find a new copy. If sony does block used games then it would affect me a little as not being able to trade games in/ rent(I make poor purchases once in awhile) would mean Id have to be about 75% sure that I'd enjoy a game before buying it.

[Grimhammer00]

I like how some people will say "can't afford new games then you shouldn't own a console"

After 2008 wconomy tanked. Many people struggle...and they still want to escape. Even more than richly rich with his 3 different consoles and 80" flat screen.

My point? I trade every game I'm finished with...often quickly for max return. It's always towards new games or seldom new hardware.
And I work and make good money. But I'm not naive to think every gamer by virtue of owning a console is capable of helping to sustain a market with no used games.

This also brings me to think that unless Xbox 720 or Ps4 are priced $399 or lower....sales won't be what they are likely looking for.

[Software_Lover]

economy tanked before 2008

[Roper316]

while I don't buy or support the used games market personally I can understand the need for it because not everyone has the disposable money to spend on gaming.

That being said isn't that the reason new games come with a online pass? And if you buy the game used you still have to pay around a extra 10 bucks via PSN or XBL to be able to play online. Then also factor in any DLC that they may purchase for the game. So while they may not make as much profit they are still making something back. Then you also have to ask yourself does that person buy every game used?

Again I personally don't care if a system does or doesn't play used games because I buy all my games new to support the publishers & developers who create & bring me my favorite form of entertainment.

I do think that MS will do more harm to themselves than good if they do block used games. They have spent years trying to build up their market share only to give it back? And the only reason the console was selling for a loss was because of the RROD disaster that cost them millions not because of the manufacturing costs. Sony was the only one actually paying more in manufacturing then they were selling it for.

[FullMetalTech]

Most likey will mean MS will have thier own game rental service in place. As for used games, they will probably charge you a fee to play it on a diferent console. Kinda like they have been doing with online passes so far.

[Grimhammer00]

Thinking of all the great games I'd never buy if I couldnt offset the cost with trades...

Binary domain
Spec ops the line
Lollipop chainsaw
Persona 4
Xcom
Army of two cartel (Tuesday)
Etc

Is buy 3-5 games all year instead of the 40+!

[ApolloTheBoss]

ALL OF MY WAT. Seriously my head hurts after reading this article. Even if Microsoft thinks that this little tactic will work, you can only make profit if people actually BUY the console. If the majority of consumers don't like it, then the rest will follow. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, people.

[Double_O_Revan]

"Word of mouth is a powerful thing"

Exactly. As soon as mommy & daddy find out that they won't be able to buy the kids cheap used games come Christmas, do you think she will want that kind of system in their house?

[ApolloTheBoss]

I know my folks wouldn't, lol.

[Freeball]

Agreed. Plus, what publisher would have the balls to cut out 80% of the market (assuming the articles figures of 5m Xbox, 20m PS4)to try and entice customers? That's just stupidity. Same logic with timed exclusives or DLC. Angering 80% of your consumers is a good way to lose money.

[Double_O_Revan]

I can see how it would cause a loss for Sony reading his comment, it doesn't make Micrsoft any more money because if this all turns out to be true, then many people will bail on the 720 and move to the PS4. And less console sales means less of an opportunity to make money.

And in an unrelated note, IT'S TIME TO D.D..D..DUEL!!!

[IcicleTrepan]

there's so much bullshit in the article and in the comments.

1) always on - completely misinterpreted. not mandatory.
2) no optical drive - complete bullshit and you know it.
3) we don't know if they will block used games or not, there's no evidence of it either way. Wait for official word before jumping to conclusions.

[Double_O_Revan]

2) no optical drive - complete bull

No he said no optical SUPPORT. Because the concensious now is that games will Have to be installed. Meaning they won't be playable off the disc. The Disc drive is only used for installs and Movies.

Yes, it's still unconfirmed and could still be rumor at this point, but the evidence is pretty stong and has come from several sources in the past few weeks. So get pissy all you want, it doesn't change the fact that many of these points are pointing to 'Highly Likely'.

[IcicleTrepan]

luls..

You know what one of the complaints developers had this gen with xbox? That they had to build their game in a special way because the game may or may not be installed on the hard drive.

So MS allegedly fixes this by requiring install and everyone claims oh noes we're going to lose used games.

Just like how MS is adding features so that your system works online while it's 'off' to make your experience better, but everyone claims OMG ALWAYS need internet connection.

N4G user base sucks.

[monkey nuts]

Icicle you wrong mate. Devs were 'complaining' because not all 360s had hard drives so games had to be built with this in mind. Installs wouldn't be the better option for the nexbox though loading times would be improved, just aslong as all sku's had hdd's then devs would be satisfied. Get a clue son, really.

[GABRIEL1030]

The winner of this war must be the player and his liberty.

Nobody buy a product that goes against the liberty, can you imagine for example buy a car that you can't sell to buy another better or rent or lend to your family or friends?

Microsoft is preparing something big with "Xbox infinity", all rumors are false, maybe they will announce a great device with Skipe, "Illumiroom", the permanent internet conection will be optional and they will not block second hand games because nobody will buy their device and stores like Gamestop will block their products.

The solution against the second hand games and piracy is like Sony is doing in PS3, a great free online service, great digital discounts ( I bought Assasins Creed 2 Digital for 9.99¡) and an amazing premium service like PSN PLUS.

[rainslacker]

The consumer should always be the winner in my opinion, in all things. Being a winner doesn't mean the companies need to be screwed over, it just means the consumer is getting acceptable value for their purchases and use of a product.

The console wars tend to take the consumer out of the equation, and instead focus on what is best for the companies involved. It creates a false sense of value for the consumers of a particular brand, but does little to actually make them a winner...just look how readily on-line passes were accepted.

I never understood it, because quite frankly, I would wager that 99.99% of the people that post these comments are consumers. Fight the power and all that I guess.

Edit @ Blow below

To be fair there were those who said it would be a good thing for Sony as well. You can't really take one post out of the multitudes and say that it's indicative of the common consensus. It's just one article showing a different perspective, and this particular article was just one person who clearly doesn't understand how business and the game industry actually work.

For me personally it seems like the idea is almost universally hated among gamers on here. Other forums tend to have the same feelings about it.

[BLow]

So when the rumor of Sony blocking used games, the internet blew up and everyone cried about it. Now that MS might, it can be a good thing and people are defending this approach. I'm a little confused. Oh well, I'm getting tired of all these articles and I just wish MS will hurry up and announce their console so we can talk about the games again. Please April or E3 hurry up!! If they wait until E3, these articles are going to get really old quick. Imagine another 3 months of this crap. Please do it next month MS!!!

[4lc4pon3]

I agree with you completely. Have you noticed that its no longer about games its always the SAME ol posts over and over again.

I am not a huge fan of the xbox but thats my personal choice. I like Sony honestly because it gives me a bit more, Bluray, First party exclusives, my 50.00's per year gives me free games n such.

I just wish MS would announce the console and get these stupid rumors over with.

[Tito08]

It's the XBlind fanboys man, they're Microsoft's puppets, everything MS does, whether is good or bad, it's a blessing for their fanbase, these Xbox fanboys sure likes MS to dominatrix them!!

[CRAIG667]

To be perfectly honest I think both Microsoft AND Sony will block used game sales in one way or another...

[jronj]

1.People who trade in games "usually" use that money to buy new games.

2.Some people (me) will be less likely to pay full price for a new game if they can never resell it.

That's why I never get a digital download I always buy the disk. Digital download is worthless after I play it.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

A man buys new, but a man would wait for more BFs and bargain bins if he knew he couldn't sell an unwanted game.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Actually Sony changed their stance and recently stated that the uses game block was "up to the publishers." They were the ones pushing for the block in the first place.

Sony just passed the buck so they don't take all the heat and fanboys just lost another trump card.

They're both going to block used games, commence the bitter tears.

[Saleem101]

I will never support any system that block used games, I bought the disc its my right to do whatever I want with it.. Gamers dont fall for this bs..

[steven83r]

Blockig Used games has to be illegal. How can a company say that after i BUY their game i can never sell it or give it away. It is my property and can do with it what i please. It's like never being able to buy a used car or sell yours. I think Sony thought of this and decided not to block them.

[brianunfried]

They want you to buy a license like with computer software, a license to use the software. You may have a physical disc, but you don't really own it and it can be taken away at any time.

[Jakens]

That is true.

[USMC_POLICE]

that also means you can't take a game to a friends to play. And people who buy used even sometimes will probably not buy a used blocked console. Also what if the internet goes down due to weather or an accident. I live in Notheast USA and sometimes we get snowed in and cable and internet goes out.however singled player still works fine. So ms sells 5 mill systems at pure profit Sony sells 15 not pure profit but they are still going to make more and have a bigger fan base. And Nintendo is on its own. I always consider the Wii or Wii u its own thing.

[tweet75]

how will microsoft know if your playing a used game or your just playing the game you own on the second 720 in your home? I like to have a console in my bedroom and living room and I expect to play the one game i bought on both.

[NotSoSilentBob]

Developers are not going to develop a game for a system that doesn't have the instal(Sales) base. Thats what happened in Gen7 with the PS3. It wasn't selling as well as Sony had said it would and Crapcom had all of their "elite" titles(DMC,Lost Planet, Resident Evil) all jumped ship and went multiplateform due to the greed of Crapcom. Even SE saw the PS3 wasn't selling like hoped and put all of the "exclusive" Final Fantasy games on the 360. Without the Consumer support of the hardware the Software isn't going to follow.

[Thomaticus]

This is a good article and makes a great point. The article assumes that used games are a lost revenue. Used games sales usually lead to new game sales... is the usually argument that's made in support of used games. However if MS blocks used games and Sony doesn't then we'll see that theory tested out. Another issue is, will developers be reluctant to release games on PS4 knowing that their game can be sold used? (keep in mind that Sony noted at somepoint that this option may be up to the developer) Or will they makes games on 720 knowing that their games can only be sold new?

[BrianC6234]

What I think matters more is gamers will buy a PS4 instead of the Xbox. If that happens developers won't just make Xbox games. Why make games on a console people aren't buying? I don't like the whole used game idea myself. You can find plenty of great deals on recent games. I don't like the ideas I'm reading about what Microsoft might do though. I don't want to always need an Internet connection. If my connection is down for a day I should still be able to play single player games.

[BrianC6234]

This would be great news for Sony. Most gamers would buy a PS4 instead of a new Xbox. Nobody wants to deal with that mess. Especially if you always need an Internet connection just to play your games. That would really kill the next Xbox. Would Microsoft be that dumb?

[AceofStaves]

I can't wait for the official reveal of the neXtBox, when we'll be able to discuss actual features and specs instead of rumours. I'm curious to see what MS will bring to the table.

New console gens are always exciting. ;D

[noears]

Axis of evil.

Microsoft.

Activision.

Electronic arts.

[Cryptcuzz]

The question is, how will video game stores like Gamestop react to a console not supporting used games?

Will they advertise it less? Give it less shelve space? Will they go ape sh*t and threaten to not carry the console?

Interesting times ahead...

[kingPoS]

If Microsoft bans used games, they had better make sure all titles are always available to buy digitally. 1st run games on disc probably won't fare so once the title is out of distribution.

What was plentiful at first, might not be so years later.
or Get it while it's hot before it becomes unattainable.

[jakmckratos]

What a trap it would be for them to have an unwanted feature that would give Sony a advantage over them...but I cannot see this happening for I don't see it within the Heart of the Cards

[supremacy]

You know this whole debate has been going on now for quite some time: and after some hard thinking, i've come to the realization that perhaps the best way to resolve this issue would be by the companies who make and publish these games to charge retail for every used copy sold.

I mean instead of placing DRM on us the consumers; they should place a similar law or something around those lines to retailers. Where they are sold licenses of use and sale and not ownership of the games they buy from the companies. I know it sounds like a crazy thing to consider, but if they can somehow get something around those lines done, then we the gamers wont have to worry about this issue.

The one thing that could in theory come out of this idea is a more pricier used purchased. But i suppose there is always a catch to these things.

[Sy_Wolf]

It won't happen, Microsoft sells too many consoles to people who don't have an Internet connection.

[DomceM]

if "trap card" in this case means financial suicide then the answer is yes.

[StrawHatPatriot]

If it wasn't for used games, I would've had to wait longer to play Final Fantasy X.

If it wasn't for used games, I wouldn't be able to play some classic Naruto or DBZ games, because THOSE WON'T BE ON THE PLAYSTATION STORE.

[Relientk77]

Wait Microsoft and Sony play Yu-Gi-Oh! together? lol

[hazelamy]

it's one of those articles

"That’s opposed to the sale of a used game which benefits exactly no one financially but Gamestop, making pure profit on it, and the consumer, who gets a cheaper game."

wrong, wrong, totally frakking wrong.

pure profit?
people give them their old games for free now?
because that's exactly what you're implying with that ludicrous statement

what about the people who bought the game new?
yeah, the preowned is evil lobbyists always forget about those people.
i don't disagree that the developers should get their just reward for the work they do, but the thing is, they did when that person bought the game.

and you're saying they shouldn't be able to recoup some of their hard earned money, doing more important and harder jobs than making fecking games.

what about people making private sales?
i've bought plenty of preowned games without the "greedy" stores having any kind of look in.

and i've bought dlc for preowned games that i never would have bought because if there was no preowned market because i just wouldn't have bought those games.

[valormeer]

PS3 is going to send the Xbox720 to the Shadow Realm

[SpinalRemains138]

Gamefly alone purchases thousands of games for their install base, which is probably in the millions by now.

No one ever takes this into account. Not having Gamefly purchase your titles in bulk, hurts.

Not playing used games would be a catastrophe to that company, if their rival continues to play used games. This is not even remotely debatable.

[monkey602]

Even rental stores pay a rental licence and buy in bulk. Used game sales into store add revenue to game stores that the store needs to buy new stock. It's all part of the cycle and a vital part of the industry. People are suffering a recession, we can't afford to buy every game new but still contribute greatly to the industry as a whole

[uuaschbaer]

People who say "if my math is right" should show their calculations, that removes all doubt.

[alb1899]

I see logic in the article.

[trenso1]

we cant say for sure now, but to all the people saying that publishers will go to 720 and not ps4, if no one or small amount of people want to buy a 720 cause of blocked used games how will they make any money without a player base?

[Stefanrules7]

Blocking used games will kill gaming. You will essentially have a time limit to buy a game before it is gone and unplayable forever.

Imagine at this point in time if you could not buy or play any game released before 2009 because all of the new copies are sold and they no longer produce the game.

[monkey602]

The video game industry stands at an $80 billion dollar scene. that's an insane amount of money. There is obviously still a huge market at current with used games included. To block that market would destroy the whole industry. I know despite this there have been a lot of developer closures but that's a sign of the times and every industry type is feeling it

[GadgetGooch]

What makes me laugh is that people say Microsoft are going to block used games and require all games to be installed onto the hard drive and then be played off said hard drive no longer needing optical support, Why on earth would Microsoft include an optical drive to only install content and then the need for that drive ends, It would be a waste of a drive and also an added cost that is not needed. Surely it would be more affordable to have something like an SD card slot that can be used for not only games but a multitude of other things....I dnt think any of this is going to happen...But its my opinion and my opinion alone.

[anderssc]

Holy crap an article that is written well enough that despite the fact that I don't agree with the view point I can still appreciate where they are coming from.

[jmac53]

I don't understand how people can defend blocking used games. They would be limiting consumer choice which in turn is anti-consumer. It's plain and simple that anti-consumer is not good business.

[IK IR Y IP T]

Im for this i hope they do block used games im tired of gamestop jewing people its a expensive hoppy if u cant afford it get a new one . Hell drop the price to 50 dollars for physical copies and 40 for digital this could work !

[mcknight8279109]

You GOTTA think about the entire concept of gaming, Not just playing a game, but going to a friends house to go play a game that he doesn't have so that you can both enjoy it together. If microsoft takes that away from people they are damaging Gaming itself. Sony will profit from this GREATLY! It's gonna be a sony Dominated Generation just like it was with the PS2/Gamecube era

[Tres21]

i wanna kno how this all works if someone doesnt have internet?

[Knightofelemia]

It would be a stupid move on Microsoft to do away with used games. They would send the customer knocking on Sonys door and vice verca. They won't do that stupid move. If a person buys a used game and they want to play it online and the game comes with a pass. You can get the pass through XBL for the used game there is revenue there. If a person buys a used game and likes the game you have DLC there is more revenue there as well. Microsoft may like to spend money but like any other business they like to make money and not lose money. Xbox720 not being able to play used games would hurt their ability to make money I can't see Microsoft making a boner move like that they want our money.

[gabescow]

The possibility and probability of this happening is scary. If it caught on at all every system might be pressured to take part eventually.

[Soldierone]

I'll probably sit back a little while if they block used games. If they do, I'll really miss buying all kinds of random games that I do today. I normally just buy whatever thanks to my GameStop in store credit I get from used titles, but I'll be much much more selective without it.

[Blacklash93]

"Trap card" implies MS is getting the advantage over Sony due to the decision. In reality, MS's PR would burn to the ground with retailers and gamers alike.

[arbitor365]

sony is going to send microsoft to the shadow realm

[Lavagasm]

Huge Xbox fan here. I will not buy if used games are locked out. However, I do not think MS would be that stupid. I would be willing to pay a nominal fee that would go directly to developers like maybe 5 or 10 bucks, so the people who worked hard on the game get their money. Then, hopefully, Gamestop would be forced to sell the Xbox games at a lower price to make up for this fee to play.

[BladerunnerZX]

Its been reported that Microsoft has recently hired a bunch of suits that have absolutely no ties or interest in gaming to run both Xboxlive and marketing etc.

All signs point to those reports being true.

Its interesting how Sony and the Playstation brand support core gamers with new IPs and great features like PS Plus yet Microsoft is all but forgetting the same core gamers that helped make the Xbox360 a success within the last few years with their push on Kinect , casual gaming ,unnecessary apps and an ad filled Xbox Live Gold.

[overrated44]

If Microsoft do in fact both block used games AND only allow their console to run with an internet connection they would be alienating a very large portion of their audience. If this is indeed true they've already "lost" the next console generation.

[ndl1531]

what an idiotic article lol this is actually bad for ms and good for sony. its funny how the article thinks ms has something good up its sleve lol how stupid

[Lavagasm]

I like how you didn't read the article.

[ZILLA]

Huge mistake(period)

[QuickdrawMcgraw]

Not all games are created equal.There are games I have to own.Then there are games I just want to play.So I rent them.Just like I do for movies.Sometimes I trade a game in towards a new game.I just don't get what the big deal is.I want a new car.I trade in my old one.I can even rent a car if I want.I really don't play Multiplayer all that much.Maybe I should be charged half price for any game I don't use the multiplayer.

[Morgue]

How many different ways can the gaming community spin these MS articles about the " purportedly " new features in the nextbox when MS hasn't said or confirmed anything. It's kinda turning into Fox News on here because it seems like 24 hours a day reporting on rumors and so called " legit " paperwork.

If they do implement these features then I'll just continue to play games on my 360. Case closed unless they start putting key codes on 360 games and you have to enter it sorta like the online pass. Then when you buy that used game you're unable too play it because it's owned by someone else.