This opinion piece here is in response to this video that was recommended for me to watch that supported the abolishment of used video games. They also argued that games can not be compared to DVDs, music or any of those formats for various reasons. I’ve watched the whole video and here is my response on why used games are not the problem. - LazyTechGuys
No Microsoft are the problem.
This is a great article. I had not seen the video he references from Total Biscuit so I watched that before reading this post and he makes some valid points. Game and in the US here GameStop are being too aggressive when it comes to used games. However the used game market is not just about buying, its about selling. Many people only buy new games however they still SELL old games to get those new ones. A point TB overlooked in his video.
Used games aren't the problem. A short campaign is. I don't want to spend $60 pre tax on a game with 7 hours of gameplay, sure there's multiplayer but i prefer single player even in FPS. I would never buy BF4, Killzone SF, COD if they were only multiplayer games. The campaign is what get's you interested in the game for the most part. Besides it's not like Gamestop is selling used games at a steal. They are crooks and never understood how people are willing to pay 54.99 for the used copy and not 59.99 for the new one. Used should always be under $50.
The article makes a mistake... Disk based games will not be an option. They were going to be an option, but Microsofts efforts to limit used game sales failed.
What you will see in the coming generation is that only Triple A block busters get released on disk. Everything else will be download only.
Another thing that you will see is games that are download timed exclusives. They will be available for download a couple of months before the disk release, seriously blunting the value of used games.
And yes, you will also see downloads with a discount over their physical copy counterparts.
This will start to happen immediately.
What these publishers/developers need to do if they want to sell more games is, COD for example is heavily focused on Multiplayer. So they should make the campaign about 7 hrs or so and release 2 copies of the game. One with limited online play less maps, weapons, upgrades so on and charge $44.99. And a full version at $59.99 with download code inside to unlock all maps and what not missing in stripped down version.