Microsoft's Shortsighted Approach Might Have Already Killed Xbox One

Mark Rogowsky @ Forbes writes:
"Microsoft is absolutely going to war with a couple of key features people have taken for granted since almost the days of Atari:
Your right to buy used games is no longer absolute.
Game rentals as we know them are effectively dead.
Offline play is over.
There’s a lot of money at stake."

[yesmynameissumo]

Might?

[zeal0us]

Yep regardless how terrible the requirements for the Xbox One are, some people will still buy it. Just look Simcity, people still brought it in spite of the always online requirement. The same can be said about Diablo 3.

Some of the core players are up in arms about the requirements and threaten to jump over to Sony. However some of the hardcore CoD, Halo, Gears players will still buy the Xbox one. Majority of them tend to be online, a lot. They buy these games new, day one. They probably won't even have a problem Kinect so long as it doesn't interfere with their gaming. So basically they won't have a problem with the Xbox One so long as they can play their games.

[blitz0623]

Those are games. This is a console. Totally different story.

[yesmynameissumo]

Are up to 75 million people willing to no longer be the ones with requirements? Now our consoles have requirements of us? SMH. So I can't rent? Lend out to someone not on my friends list for 30 days? Wha? Complete lunacy.

[tuglu_pati]

"some people"? A lot of people wil still buy it.

[BitbyDeath]

Didn't even think of the damage this move will do to rental stores.

@yesmynameissumo, 40 million of that 75 do not even have a silver/gold account.

[JokesOnYou]

lol, its going to sell like hotcakes, bookmark and watch and see. Yeah the used game policy is more restrictive but better than what we heard the first time it seems publishers are demanding some compensation. Overall I'm satisfied, just show me the games now.

[zeal0us]

@blitz0623
Those are games that will be on the Xbox One, either at launch or somewhere down the line.
Some of those gamers don't care how Microsoft treat them so long as they get the next CoD, Halo, Gears or etc.

[blitz0623]

@zeal0us
some of them may not, but some do.

And when most people get the PS4, those gamers will realize there's not many people left and will get the PS4.

Besides, there is absolutely no reason to get the Xbox One and avoid the PS4 right now. Before there was, because there was already an install base, where most CoD players started on the 360. But next gen, there won't be a head start for the X1 to gather gamers. When most people start on the PS4, everyone will follow suit.

[The_Con-Sept]

I guess it has become more of a battle between offline and online games.... Either way indie devs are screwed on the XBOne. I'm glad they have PS4 to go to.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Xbox One's success depends on two massive, risky, unreliable assumptions:

Assumption #1 - Core 360 gamers will get the Xbox One no matter what. This is a huge assumption and based on the internet backlash, we're seeing this assumption crumble before our very eyes. And before anyone says "but but but internet doesn't represent the majority", kindly get your head out of 2004. We are more connected than ever today, and news about this stuff spreads fast.

Assumption #2 - Microsoft will be able to sell this thing to cable/satellite subscribers. Keep in mind, Xbox One isn't offering them any NEW content. It is simply offering them a more (possibly) convenient method of accessing the content they already own. Considering how cable/satellite subs are on the decline, I'm curious to see how this will play out.

The thing about assumptions is they tend to bite you in the butt.

[LOGICWINS]

If the Internet represented the majority, Call of Duty wouldnt break records every year. Its easily the most consistently bashed gaming franchise on the Internet. As a society we are connected, but we still segregate ourselves into groups, hardcore gamer, casual gamer etc.

Its been proven every year that most gamers dont care about review scores or GOTY awards, despite these two things being the equivalent of the Bible and the Quran on N4G.

The point is, backlash/unions on the Internet usually amount to nothing in the real world. The only time I remember it actually working in a big way was with SOPA.

[adorie]

"If the Internet represented the majority"
Kony, SOPA, PIPA, Japan Earthquake, Boston Bombings... Think you get the idea.

The negative response is stacking more and more against microsoft with every new piece of anti-consumer and pro-corporate decision.

Businesses are out to make money, sure, but how do you make money if you're turning away the very same people you want to sell your product to?
If "gamers" aren't the ones this box is directed at then who is it directed at?

I'm hearing conflicting comments from xbox fanboys and MS executives, but regarding the former, at least the DRm stuff is cleared up now. -_-

[MikeMyers]

@dedicatedtogamers,

"The thing about assumptions is they tend to bite you in the butt."

You're right, you assumed just today that the Xbox One wouldn't allow used games.

How many times have we seen on the net not to buy Call of Duty? How does that annual petition work out?

If Microsoft can provide compelling hardware that works as advertised while offering unique gaming experiences they will do just fine. Diablo III sold over 10 million copies on a platform plagued by piracy and it has DRM built in.

The online connection is of no worries. Netflix has proven to be a huge success, the most successful game franchise on the PS3 and Xbox 360 is a game most play online, Call of Duty. In fact to get the best value out of consoles today you should be connected.

Kinect can be turned off so all the conspiracy tinfoil hat wearers can rest easy.

The issue boils down to used games. How impactful is that really? We buy games all the time on Playstation Network, Nintendo Online, Xbox Live, Steam, IOS devices and so on that don't even offer used games or the ability to sell or trade items. The Xbox One will allow used games. It will just be controlled by licensed dealers now. You can still lend games to friends, that was one excuse. So is it all really about money? That you fear you won't get as much for that used game?

Most of the worries seem to be based purely on principal. Sorry but most folks don't post all day talking about issues like this, they're too busy getting on with their lives and buying things they want.

[mav805]

@logic

Actually the fact that games like cod are consistently the highest selling games each year doesn't prevent the Internet from representing the majority at all.

When you talk about "most" gamers not caring about scores, awards, etc. that conclusion isn't represented by the evidence because the majority, by a HUGE margin, of xbox/ps owners still do not buy cod each year, even if it's the most successful game.

[DigitalRaptor]

@ LOGICWINS @ MikeMyers

There's a difference between a group of people's OPINIONS about Call of Duty's staleness, and the FACTUAL information we know about the Xbox One being, unequivocally, an anti-consumer device with anti-consumer restrictions.

@ MikeMyers

"Netflix has proven to be a huge success"

What kind of point are you trying to make, really? You can still play physical movies on your console without Netflix.

"In fact to get the best value out of consoles today you should be connected."

This is literally corporate apologising at its lowest. Stop pretending that it's okay for a console to be connected at least once a day to play physical offline content. What about those that cannot afford Internet one month, but want to play the games they already own? There's no freakin upside to this man. Just none. So don't pretend like its "no worries" for anyone but yourself and other MS-defending clowns.

"Kinect can be turned off so all the conspiracy tinfoil hat wearers can rest easy."

It's always listening, and it is required to be connected to your console for the console to function. It's not always about MS listening in, but the fact that you HAVE to have that camera sitting somewhere plugged into your console that is an issue. What if your Kinect 2.0 breaks?

"The Xbox One will allow used games. It will just be controlled by licensed dealers now"

The problem that exists here is that this decision will kill independent retailers. Think man, just think.

So as usual with you MS defenders, you're not looking at the bigger picture - just a way to try make your arguments seem valid so you can keep supporting MS and feel less bad about it.

And if you think there isn't more to add the story that MS aren't telling yet, you'll be in for a surprise. You'll have to shoehorn that into your defense, but you'll still be a-defending corporate greed and anti-consumer restrictions.

[Urusernamesucks]

At this point... they got two choices, give up and sell the gaming division, or learn from their mistakes. Judging ms, theyl probably sell it.

[Mounce]

Would you prefer 'Has' instead of Might? Some would.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Lmao at this article rgardless of their blunder the console is popular as hell breakingpre order numbers.

[dedicatedtogamers]

You know what else broke pre-order numbers?

Wii-U.

[HammadTheBeast]

At the randomest of places.

One, a store franchise that apparently still exists after barely escaping bankruptcy.

And two, from a glorified grocery store.

[S2Killinit]

You know I see that you are lyao but I'm not sure if you should be, considering it's us gamers that are the ones being laughed at if microsoft executes this plan successfully. I don't know, maybe its my bias but at the same time, I honestly believe that microsoft's plans are going to end badly for gamers. Just food for thought.

[Intentions]

Ah ok.

[godzookie]

MS have to hit it out of the park @ E3

[LOGICWINS]

If the past is any indication, MS could skip E3 entirely and still sell Xbox Ones without any issues. I can't remember the last time they had a decent E3...yet 360s still sell.

[batbatz]

I dont need another cable box,

[greenpowerz]

LOL media trying to save face scrambling to do damage control as reality and truth catches up to the rumors and lies.

Most rumors debunked and counting is some how bad ?? https://twitter.com/majorne...

I will tell what will kill a console... Not coming out with the same features to fight piracy along with MSFT. The devs will support MSFT for fighting piracy by default. Xbox is too popular for anti MSFT gamers and competing companies to assume massive amounts of Xbox gamers will jump ship when most of them are hardcore gamers and casuals that already use online features and game online.

Expect the rumors and speculation of the Xbox One local hardware specs to be cleared up as well in the next two weeks(or next week)MSFT, engineers, chip manufacturers and developers have not announced details on specs

The xbox reveal was the the mass market and the masses and was a broad message. Average Joe and Jane would be bored to death and confused with tech talk and details about specs and DRM

[DragonKnight]

LMFAO! You think if Sony DOESN'T come out with the same anti-consumer B.S. that Microsoft is pulling that the PS4 will be dead? Yeah, because publishers can afford to ignore the millions (and The Rock means... MILLIONS.. sorry, had to) of people that will buy the PS4 just on principle alone.

Publishers can chest beat all they want to, but they need consumers more than we need them. Publishers are a dime a dozen, there's always someone to take their place. Piss off the people who pay your bills, and see how long you stay afloat.

[MikeMyers]

You're right but guess what, they will try doing it this way regardless. The consumer will decide. So what exactly are you worried about, that you'll be wrong and the consumers will actually adopt it?

[DragonKnight]

"You're right but guess what, they will try doing it this way regardless."

Proof.

"So what exactly are you worried about, that you'll be wrong and the consumers will actually adopt it?"

The existence of apologists like you is answer enough.

[stuna1]

Don't expect too many agrees, because all ready the die-hard have entered defense mode! My question is why!? Do people really want this to be the future of gaming, where you hav a choice but the choice is not really your choice?

[MikeMyers]

"Proof."

Did you not read Sony's comments of we will leave it up to the publishers?

Or MS policies:

"In our role as a game publisher, Microsoft Studios will enable you to give your games to friends or trade in your Xbox One games at participating retailers. Third party publishers may opt in or out of supporting game resale and may set up business terms or transfer fees with retailers. Microsoft does not receive any compensation as part of this. In addition, third party publishers can enable you to give games to friends. Loaning or renting games won’t be available at launch, but we are exploring the possibilities with our partners."

It's already about to happen. They have already tested the waters with online passes, something Sony also adopted into their own 1st party titles. At the end of the day consumers will buy what they buy and publishers will ry and react accordingly.

Steam is very profitable, Apple makes millions of dollars off of games and they don't even have their own studios. Consumers every day buy DRM goods off of Xbox Live now and Nintendo Online and the Playstation Network. Some Vita games can only be bought digitally. We will see more and more games like Journey that won't even come out on disc.

Right now things are not looking good for you.

[DragonKnight]

"Did you not read Sony's comments of we will leave it up to the publishers?"

That's not proof that Sony is going to try doing what Microsoft is doing. Try again.

"It's already about to happen. They have already tested the waters with online passes, something Sony also adopted into their own 1st party titles. At the end of the day consumers will buy what they buy and publishers will ry and react accordingly."

Proof.

"Steam is very profitable, Apple makes millions of dollars off of games and they don't even have their own studios. Consumers every day buy DRM goods off of Xbox Live now and Nintendo Online and the Playstation Network. Some Vita games can only be bought digitally. We will see more and more games like Journey that won't even come out on disc. "

Corporate Shill Handbook Rule #39324234: When discussing anti-consumer tactics, make sure to bring up the money already made thanks to the uninformed or the apathetic. After all, money is more important than consumer rights and there will always be someone that is willing to fork over any rights they have if it will allow them to be just a bit lazier.

"Right now things are not looking good for you."

That's where you're wrong. Things aren't looking good for everyone.

[strigoi814]

well as of now even developers will be worried too..if they still gonna do and push DRM they know themselves will lose more..nobody's gonna be wanting to buy their games and no console will either play them into..its a lose lose situation both gamer, developers and console makers will all suffer..

[stuna1]

Can I have some? Of what it is you're smoking! Not even 5 hours ago, Microsoft and Skype have been allowing NSA, FBI and other federal agencies access to hundreds of millions of phones, texts, and other forms of correspondences, but yet Microsoft is talking about a remote camera with a mic that can't be shut off! People get wind of the connections, they will crucify Microsoft.

Microsoft is treading on thin ice at the moment! You think they didn't know this information was going to come out!?

Their doing extreme damage control, in hope their ruse might still work! That's why their not talking to the press. People will believe any PR stunt that Microsoft performs for them! And yes they are well rehearsed as many have seen the last 3 or 4 E3's.

@Greenpower
Is Major Nelson the one you're referring to as far as debunking the rumors? He's playing for their team! What do you expect him to say??? He just another PR stuntman preparing for his close-up.

Microsoft is really playing on the hopes of gaming addiction, for those who have fallen head over heals in love with Microsoft.

[Kayant]

The thing is compared to the PS3 the Xbox360 has a higher rate of privacy. Just search Xbox360iso and Ps3iso and see the difference so that comment is invalid. All this is a way for Microsoft to get some money out of the used market like the publishers want.

Seriously if people start to accept things like this as the new norm then the future of console gaming is looking pretty bad because next time is going to be much worse.

[DoesUs]

@Green

http://www.cinemablend.com/...

[Mr_Nuts]

I don't understand how most gamers and journalists on other sites are spinning this....that everything is going to be ok

[izumo_lee]

I know right. I have no idea how this is going to be beneficial to the gamer. People complained that the PS3 was too expensive....if this thing that Microsoft has unleashed becomes standard how much more money do gamers have to spend.

I really hope that Sony becomes next gens industry leader so that the gamers will not have to suffer at the hands of Microsoft's draconian ways. And the fact that there are people out their supporting this BULLSH*T make me shake my head in disbelief.

[theWB27]

I don't understand why gamers think Microsoft is the only one doing this...I fully believe these restrictions to be the future of gaming. Whether implemented by the console or by the developer/publisher.

[nypifisel]

That doesn't make it acceptable. What ever Sony will put in it won't be like the X1 since they've already confirmed that the PS4 won't need an internet connection. This fact makes a lot of the restrictions on the xbox null and void for the PS4.

[theWB27]

But developers can implement it and most of the Big publishers welcome this...I understand X1 takes it further with the actual console needing it(i dont agree with this at all) but it will happen. I agree that it isn't acceptable, but developers/publishes want their money.

[tuglu_pati]

what theWB27 said.

[DragonKnight]

"I fully believe these restrictions to be the future of gaming."

That attitude comes from an attitude of acceptance without a fight. Something can only be "the future" if we let it be. And exactly what incentive is there for us to be quiet and let it happen?

[MikeMyers]

Convenience. Having the ability to play your games on any other system as long as you're signed on. With no need to carry or travel with all of those games. Or worse, pack the system around too.

A competitive model where publishers can actually get a piece of the used market. The market on the PC offers less freedom but consumers get better deals than console gamers do now. A DRM market will have to compete just like a DRM free market.

[DragonKnight]

"Convenience."

Not an incentive unless you're lazy. And that is a particular kind of sloth like laziness if you can't live without being able to talk your devices on instead of using all of your strength to press a simple button.

"Having the ability to play your games on any other system as long as you're signed on."

Provisionally, not everyone at once, required of a shortened online check, only shared once, with restrictions on who, likely a registration of some form of who you will share with.

"With no need to carry or travel with all of those games. Or worse, pack the system around too."

Hahahaha, wow you really are reaching in the bag aren't you?

"A competitive model where publishers can actually get a piece of the used market."

Competitive? Since when was price setting, retailer picking, and restrictions competitive? And yes, because publishers are really hurting for money in a $40 billion dollar industry. Stop acting like this is about anything else but pure greed.

"The market on the PC offers less freedom but consumers get better deals than console gamers do now."

You already pointed out the problem there so I don't have to. Thanks.

"A DRM market will have to compete just like a DRM free market."

Straight from the corporate shill handbook.

[BitbyDeath]

'With no need to carry or travel with all of those games.'

You couldn't play them anyway if you travelled as you'd need an internet connection to start them up.

[stuna1]

Then maybe they should talk to those who are actually making a profit, which would be gamestop! Not punish the gamers who actually support them.

This is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater!

What everyone is failing to acknowledge is in order for a game to become used, it has to be bought in the first place.

[Rageanitus]

Very hard to say LOOK at all the hate WII recieved and it still did quite well.

As much as most "standard" gamers love to hate..... I am sure the xbox one will have its place and it will do just fine. '

I was a strong supporter of the ps3 from the start.... and I am till a strong supporter. But I do have to admit the first two years I used my PS3 primarly for blu-ray.

Gaming came from my PC in those years.

[nypifisel]

Surprisingly this article brings up a lot of concerns of the consumer (gamers specifically) which just makes gaming related websites into jokes with their apologists approach to this terrible direction Microsoft are taking their console, it's pathetic really (the gaming sites).

This just shows that gaming 'journalists' aren't that at all. This is what a real journalist does, unbiased reporting. Something the gamingmedia don't touch with a stick.

[theWB27]

The only reason you call this real journalism is because it's against the Xbox...did you miss the part where publishers can restrict used games?? Accept that it's going to happen on both systems.

[DragonKnight]

"Accept that it's going to happen on both systems."

Citation needed.

[nypifisel]

Haha please. It's called calling them as you see them. As for now Microsoft has shown to be extremely anti-consumer - Whether Sony fairs any better or not is up for show- Believe me, I hope they call out Sony as much as they do Microsoft.

Stop accepting these policies, they're hurting you - and why do you even need to say "OH WELL SONY PROBABLY GETTING IT TO" like it would justify it, it doesn't - But you don't understand that.

[PerryCaravello]

The obligation to check in every 24hrs via internet connection just to play offline is ridiculous.

People in the south (I'm not one of them, thank god) will be up in arms lol. We have to provide videos games to our redneck friends south of the border. Rural areas where sex with animals is the norm --how will these places use their consoles without internet? Plug it into a tree?

[SpinalRemains]

Lmao! Stop.

C'mon, man. They may not have infrastructure like the rest of the country, but what's with the beastiality remark?

Plug it into a tree? Lol!

[KwietStorm_BLM]

When did Forbes get so involved in gaming?

[bobtheimpaler]

likely they just outsource it to a couple of schmoes from other publications. That's usually how these long established publications do it.

[gamertk421]

When the industry grew from $8 billion a year to $40 billion.

[ThatsGaming]

What about the right for publishers and developers to make a profit and decide how their works get distributed and licensed?

I am not saying this is alright, but no one on this site has given a suggestion as to how save developers like Volition, Bizarre, Pandemic, and many others that went bankrupt because not enough gamers bought their products even though they all made decent games last gen...

And publishers like Atari and THQ, who funded games that many gamers played.

How many of these companies would still be in business today if gamers did not buy their games used, pirated their games, or was not able to rent their games?

We don't know...

[ShwankyShpanky]

I know, right? It's a wonder that the book, movie, music, automotive, housing, boat, and so many other industries have survived the used-goods market. If only they'd share their fantastical economic wizardry with the video game industry, it wouldn't need to resort to these restrictive measures.

[ThatsGaming]

The other media industries struggle as well.

I worked at a music publisher for a year... Do you realize that only 1 in every 33 artists that get signed to a contract make the publishers money? And that 1 has to make enough for to pay the expenses of all the others plus make a profit acceptable to the return on investment requirements?

Automotive industry is centered around a refresh rate imposed through trading in used vehicles, accidents, etc.

Housing is centered around population and economic growth.

Every industry has a crutch that drives its revenues. Video gaming has yet to find a sturdy crutch.

[DragonKnight]

"What about the right for publishers and developers to make a profit and decide how their works get distributed and licensed?"

Umm, they already do that. It's called distributing your products to retailers to sell them. And those retailers pay the publishers and developers for those games. The publishers get about $56 in revenue from each copy and the retailer gets about $4 in revenue. The retailer, needing it's own revenue to survive, can't survive off $4 so they sell pre-owned games. The publishers get mad that the retailers are making as much as they do, or more depending on the amount resold, and so they demand the ability to double dip despite having not put any extra work to justify getting extra money.

"but no one on this site has given a suggestion as to how save developers like Volition, Bizarre, Pandemic, and many others that went bankrupt because not enough gamers bought their products even though they all made decent games last gen..."

They obviously didn't make decent enough games, or their business models were poor. Solutions could be DLC models, rewards programs that require a membership fee, or the creation of their own online store (so long as it's not a DRM store like Steam) to cut out the middle man.

"And publishers like Atari and THQ, who funded games that many gamers played."

They caused their own problems, not gamers.

"How many of these companies would still be in business today if gamers did not buy their games used, pirated their games, or was not able to rent their games?"

Unknowable, but likely no difference would result. Publishers used to blame the number of console options on the market. They also blamed demos, rentals, and pirates. Now they blame used games. Next they'll find something else to blame (probably gamer expectations) just so they can invent more draconian money grubbing measures.

[quenomamen]

No kidding, poor game companies like Activision only making 300 mill off Call It Doodie every year. Whos looking out for them !

[ThatsGaming]

Its easy to blame others...

But those developers and publishers had games such as Blur, Darksiders, Red Faction Guerilla, The Saboteur, The Club, Dark Sector, etc.

All decently rated games that deserved gamer support.

And if developers have one "less then stellar" game does that justify their shutting down? That leaves no margin for error. And that's why you see publishers and developers stop taking chances on new ideas.

Software makers have in the PC applications world have started a new trend... Software is licensed for use by to the end user, not for ownership. Video gaming is going that way because of the attitudes of gamers.

[Kal-El-001]

i like gaming so im getting all the systems when i can. im sure all will have fun games that look incredible

[ShwankyShpanky]

FLASHBACK: March 2012

CIA Chief: We’ll Spy on You Through Your Dishwasher
http://www.wired.com/danger...

More and more personal and household devices are connecting to the internet, from your television to your car navigation systems to your light switches. CIA Director David Petraeus cannot wait to spy on you through them.

Earlier this month, Petraeus mused about the emergence of an “Internet of Things” — that is, wired devices — at a summit for In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture capital firm. “‘Transformational’ is an overused word, but I do believe it properly applies to these technologies,” Petraeus enthused, “particularly to their effect on clandestine tradecraft.”

All those new online devices are a treasure trove of data if you’re a “person of interest” to the spy community. Once upon a time, spies had to place a bug in your chandelier to hear your conversation. With the rise of the “smart home,” you’d be sending tagged, geolocated data that a spy agency can intercept in real time when you use the lighting app on your phone to adjust your living room’s ambiance.

“Items of interest will be located, identified, monitored, and remotely controlled through technologies such as radio-frequency identification, sensor networks, tiny embedded servers, and energy harvesters — all connected to the next-generation internet using abundant, low-cost, and high-power computing,” Petraeus said, “the latter now going to cloud computing, in many areas greater and greater supercomputing, and, ultimately, heading to quantum computing.”

Petraeus allowed that these household spy devices “change our notions of secrecy” and prompt a rethink of “our notions of identity and secrecy.” All of which is true — if convenient for a CIA director.

[Zechs34]

So I have to pay for Xbox Live to make sure that I am online to Validate my console so the almighty cloud can "power up" my SINGLE PLAYER game EVERY day?

Where do I sign up?

/s

[Gamer-Z]

I honestly would rather see the gaming industry crash then to support this kind of anti consumer, doctrine, spyware, DRM, corporate greed. If this console is a success, it just shows that we as people are fine with are freedoms being taken away little by little just for a bit of entertainment. I mean where will it end? Other companies outside the gaming industry are sure to notice this and follow suite as well.

[IQUITN4G]

As a hugely loyal MS supporter since the first xbox, It pains me to say that I hope this hurts MS to the point of taking away completely the good that has been established. I'd rather they were no longer part of this personally

No more Halo for me which is rather saddening but we don't even know we'll be able to play these games down the line. I don't want to find out years from now I can't any longer access these games

Unlikely but I hope the MS name and fortunes are as a result very badly effected if all this turns out true- and this coming from a previously massive supporter of MS

As it is, most people will still end up buying into this without truly knowing any potential problems down the line

[koolaid251]

RIP Gamestop and Gamefly!!!

[quenomamen]

Lol, Same guy whos now talking smack wrote on article on the 21st of May claiming MS won the first round of the console war.

http://www.forbes.com/sites...

Now he's saying its practically over for them ? What happened bro ? Dont tell us all of a sudden it became clear to you. That check they wrote you bounce or what ?

[Godlovesgamers]

There's a lot more than just "money at stake". Try consumer rights as a whole. If the games industry is successful in implementing this kind of tyrannical rule over the consumer, then how much longer until every other market takes notice and tries to do the same or similar things? This is the frontline of the War for your rights as a consumer. Stand up and fight.