What Impact Would Locking Out Used Games Have On Next Gen Systems? (Playstation Edge)

Used games. It’s a divisive factor in the gaming world. Next generation rumors are rife with used game theories. Both Microsoft and Sony have both been in the gaming news with their next generation projects and alleged quotes that these systems will not play used games. That games will be locked to your account or to your console. If this is true, it impacts not just the Used game market, but game rentals, households with multiple gamers, and loaning or borrowing games between friends and family.

So what is the reality of it all? Is it really coming next generation? Would it kill the used market? Would it make games cheaper? No. In all honesty the first company to do that would be committing suicide. Why?

[GribbleGrunger]

it would make next gen shorter unless the consoles were supported for ten years

[Crazyglues]

Actually it will be the death of New Consoles.. They think gamers will just accept it, and some will, but a huge amount will by-pass the console.

Many will just stick with PS3 and 360 instead of upgrading & they will hold-off, which would actually kill new consoles.. Once games are not doing the same numbers as the old systems games did, developers will actually be getting killed out there..

and if you know sales you know if the consumer holds off it's more likely they don't decided to buy..

But the real problem, the one these companies don't understand yet is not being able to sell a game I feel sucks, kills future game sales..

Right now I buy a game it sucks I sell it.. -I feel better -(maybe I put that money towards my next game) No hard feelings.

The new way - I buy a game it sucks I now have a constant reminder of how I got burned buying a game that sucked, so now I buy less games -(only top tier)

That actually ends up hurting the developer, as it will mean less sales of games over all...

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[MysticStrummer]

I think most will buy the consoles anyway. As it is, people are paying to play online, not boycotting games with online passes, and paying for "extras" like CoD Elite. The market has shown a willingness to bend over and take it, so now the industry will take advantage.

[Bathyj]

I agree with Mystic to a certain extent.

Gamers have shown they will get outraged for almost anything, but then quickly accept it as standard practice.

Well, maybe not accept it, they will keep grumbling under their breathe, but very few will actually vote with their wallets, and go without something for the sake of standing up for their principles.

I can remember the look on my face the first time DLC came out the same week the game was released. It was a worrying trend of things to come.

So many things that happened this gen which were considered unthinkable are just the way it is now yet there have never been more gamers.

Seems we cant wait to grab ankle.

Having said all that, I do agree people are getting super pissed with the publishers. A videogames crash next gen would not surprise me at all and I've been saying that for a couple years now.

[MrBeatdown]

"Many will just stick with PS3 and 360 instead of upgrading & they will hold-off, which would actually kill new consoles.. "

I don't see this happening. Once next-gen Fallout, GTA, Assassin's Creed, and all the other big name games start releasing, I think people would rather play the game on a console that doesn't let them buy used rather than not play at all.

I'll buy a console regardless of whether or not it supports used games. I'm not going to give up my favorite hobby, or limit myself to PS3 going forward just out of protest.

Even though it won't really affect me, since I mostly buy new, I don't like the idea of a used game lockout, but I absolutely hate the idea of not playing the games I want to play.

[pixelsword]

Yep; people can look at my quote history and although I lean towards Sony more I love both the 360 and PS3; but I'd dump the PS4 and/or the 720 in a hot second and run back to Nintendo and game more exclusively on my PC if they locked games. I bought it. I don't care if 90% of the developers go out of business, I BOUGHT MY GAME. If you want people to keep your game, make it WORTH keeping. I still have my old PS1 Twisted Metal 2, My RE4, My Battlefront games (and still play them online), Halo (is always a keeper), and other old games because the games are DONE WELL.

This gen I won't sell or give up games like Gears of War, MGS4 and other games that have a high caliber of quality. Although I decided to not get a Wii this gen, There are games on the Wii that stand toe to toe with any game on any console or PC because the QUALITY is there.

All they are doing is making gamers rely on game critics more and more which gives a bunch of immature fanboys MORE power next gen and not limiting it like they deserve. I've seen games on both the 360 and PS3 that basically destroyed game companies because they either slammed a perfectly good game (IMHO Too Human, Lair), grinned at game developers making them think they are on the right track in making a game only to slam them when it is out (Haze) unduly praised it, only for gamers to return their games in disgust (FF XIII [you pick the console, both sides will have good points]). I think if a game company forces you to keep their game, it's not worth getting in the first place.

Disagree or report me all you want; I'm loyal to quality, not brands.

[Awesome_Gamer]

Its not gonna happen. PERIOD

[dark-hollow]

To all developers, publishers, etc.
You want money? Well.

Make a good game for once, advertise it very well and know exactly the target demographic that you are aiming for.

Still the sales flopped? Well, too f**king bad because even online passes or preventing used games would not help you, the game would flop anyway.

Look at cod, it doesnt have online passes but yet it sold MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS!

Skyrim? Gta iv? Halo titles? Gran tuirsmo? Nintendo titles? All of those sold MILLIONS even though anybody could pick them up used for cheap.

So whats wrong then? If those games managed to sell well without online passes then thats a huge evidance that USED GAMES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM!!!

[MrBeatdown]

Naming a few games that did well doesn't prove your point.

I could just as easily name quality games that flopped.

Blur would be the best example. It was from an established racing developer with a great track record, it was a high quality game with tons of features, it was innovative, it was polished, and it was advertised well.

That studio is out of business now.

[JD_Shadow]

Those games that he mentioned DID prove his point, though. You said you could name quality games that flopped, but never named any besides...BLUR? REALLY?

What you think is a quality game doesn't have to be what I think is a quality game. It's suggestive and is an opinion.

He talked about big name titles that people will buy day one because they have heard a lot about it from previews and reviews. They heard the game will be good, and the outlook is very good, so they reserve the title, take it home, and enjoy it.

How about those that did something such as what EA did with ME3? Or if the game didn't live up to the hype or whatever, and not many bought it? What would the companies blame? Well, piracy, then used game sales. It's too easy to make it into a scapegoat into why a bad game doesn't sell well.

In the case of Blur, I didn't really see much about the game besides a few commercials. I took a look at who made the game. Bizarre never once blamed the used game sales as a factor, and instead blamed it on when it was released (at a highly competitive time in that genre). Also, take a look at who PUBLISHED the game, and who eventually closed down the studio? That's right! ACTIVISION! It's not real hard to see what would happen there. A underhyped title in an oversaturated genre published by a pretty hated company.

But I'm sure they could, because people seem to have bought into this "used games = bad" thing. They just hate how some of the companies that SELL these games operate (Gamestop, for instance). They never condemned the used game market until the big wigs told them they had to, and force fed us their prepared reasons as to why they have to do shit like this. And with the public being oblivious to anything that goes on (or just don't care; we've been through THAT point before), it's easy to see why they could put this shit past us and get away with it, too.

[THC CELL]

Better money for developers so they can make more games :-) yes I support this idea

at this diss at the end of the day people will blame sony when its the developers who want it more than anyone so let them have it i am a gamer i will support the developers unlike some poor people who cant afford to game

why support second hand games, yes some games are not worth a full price.. thats not the point developers need support.

at below explain to me what ya going to do when cloud gaming comes eh, cant get second hand games then so bonk that...

at the end of the day i can not see this happening unless sony leaves it upto the developers ( microsoft as well) cloud gaming is coming so all second hand games will be eliminated soon as of game shops

[dark-hollow]

Sigh....
You didnt learn anything, did ya?
First off, the developers already got their fixed payment so the rest of the money goes to the guys in suits (publishers)
Second, why in the hell we would trust them that the money they will get from banning second hand games will actually improve the developers future games?

Didnt you see how much they abuses the DLC concept?
Releasing half assed games only to make you pay for the rest of the game?
Firs day dlc? Dlc that actually ON the disk????

And do you know what the funny thing is?
Online passes didnt EVEN help increase new games sales that much (look at resistance 3 compared to the second one on the same time frame)

Even if you said that you only buy new, what if you wanted to play in your friends house?
What if your console has broken? What if the online pass expires?

So no, its only a huge scam to milk our pockets as much possible as they could, and i will never support any console that prevents me from buying used games.

[FunkMacNasty]

THC CELL - Locking consumers out of the ability to shop for the best bargain is not good for you, me, or developers. It will eliminate retail competition because games will all be the same price, it will fatten the pockets of the console companies who will, more than likely, invest in more first party developers who can create games for their system for less money as a division of their corporation. And furthermore, its just not a fair buisness practice on behalf of the consumer.

You talk about how YOU support developers by buying new games, "unlike some poor people" who cant afford to game" but what you have failed to notice is that to buy every game new at full retail price of $60 USD, you must be very wealthy. Most middle class folks with rent and bills may only be able to buy one game a month at full retail price.. others games we wait for until they drop in price or appear on used game shelves for $20-30 cheaper 2 months after the release.

Also, i think "poor" people have every right to game.. so you might wanna take that silver spoon outta your rear end, and try not to stain the seats in daddy's new Jaguar as you do so.

[JD_Shadow]

Wow, Cell, that's got to be the most uninformed statement I've read on the internet in a long time! Congrats, man. That's a damn accomplishment.

[Majin-vegeta]

Umm Piracy would go rampant as hell,Video game market crash,etc.

@CELL i think you're one of those persons who needs a good bonk on your head to open your eyes.

[kma2k]

thats what ive been saying for awhile piracey would go out of control. Pubslishers claim PC gaming is being ruinied by piracey guess what will happen if they removed used games from consoles same damn thing!

[GamingPerson]

well if the next consoles use standard pc components like amd cpu and gpu.. that might happen anyway.

[Crap_Turtle]

they would die

[GamingPerson]

Honesty after 2 years it would be standard and people will stop complaining when cod comes. But I could be wrong.

[cogniveritas]

I'm not so sure about that. Locking out the used games market would take some sort of method that possibly interfere with the simple things console gamers saw as a plus for console gaming which would be renting, borrowing, or to take a game to a friends house and just pop it in and play (that's slowly ending already). How would something like that be distinguished officially from a used game changing hands? I think it will drive more gamers to a PC in search of replacement freedoms in the form of "mods" and "easier piracy" as consoles march further in the direction of one owner/player units with a totalitarian proprietary OS.

[gtxgamer2]

Im liking that picture *off topic* BUT! yeahh no one knows what can happen. The Future is an unexpected thing.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Nothing. People don't seem to mind paying for online passes on top of paying for the used game. Why would people mind having to pay 5-10 dollars to unlock a used game that only cost them 10-30 dollars? It's still cheaper than buying new.

[RXL]

simple answer?..

they will hold on to their current consoles..

there are hundreds upon hundreds of great games out for the ps3 and 360...

no need to even consider another console...

All our beloved franchises are out on this Gen..and some still yet to be released for the current consoles..

you get your ps3...your 360..and a decent pc gaming rig..

and you literally future proof yourself for another five years of fun

[flyingmunky]

If Sony, MS, and Nin go cheap and make consoles that perform incrementally better than this generation I could see that happening.

Surely at least one of them will come out with a powerhouse machine though(I hope).

[joab777]

It would kill off all small and fringe ips. The only full retail games would be major triple A releases. They would get bigger and better and garner 95% of full game sales. Indie and downloadable games would explode, along with mobile. Companies without a call of duty, wow, mass effect etc would close or change direction. Gamers would only be able to afford a certain number of major releases a year and then a bunch of little ones.

On it's face, it doesn't seem terrible. The big titles get better, there aren't a bunch of crappy 8 hours games fooling us into paying $70. And smaller games would get more attention. But, any time u kill competition, it is bad. Also, new IPs may struggle. And if u think dlc is running rampant now...wow! There r benefits and positives but i say, like everything else, let the market decide. It may b all the rage right now to force us, the consumers, to buy something or to destroy options we want to buy ( i won't give examples as it's sure to piss people off), but how about we let it play out. How about we force them to continue to compete and work hard for our money, whether it's against other new titles or used ones.

[zero_cool]

@RXL...agreed!

Cheers Gamers & Happy Gaming!

[GraveLord]

Who said they would lock out used games? lmfao.
Are you people really that illiterate?

[Kthalas]

It's a look at the "rumors" that have been floating around about the next generation. No where in the article does the author state that Next Generation Systems 'WILL' lock out used games.

It's nothing more than a look at why it would be a bad idea to lock them out.

Besides almost everyone loves to speculate. Haven't you seen nearly everyone and everywhere do so?

[attilayavuzer]

It would probably create a scenario somewhere along the lines of:

Console developer-"Why the fuck aren't we selling any hardware?"

Honestly if this became the case I could see flashing and piracy jump up considerably. Hell, I love buying games, but if this shit happens I'll mod my nexbox asap. This whole generation I've bought 2 or 3 games new for full price, the other 70-80 titles are used. They'd have to be high to think I'd trade 5 grand to make up that difference. I still doubt it's a legit feature though, companies are smarter than that. All of their first party titles still bring in a metric shit ton anyway.

[Summons75]

wouldn't effect me at all, I refused to buy used or trade in

[playboi28]

Well, what are you going to do when your console crashes? Buy all new games to go along with your replacement? Do you never take games to a friends house? Do you never rent or borrow? It AFFECTS us all when that happens. What about games with a 6 hour campaign and a weak multiplayer? You are forced to buy it brand new and then have no way to get rid of it. Look at the big picture before speaking...

[Summons75]

No I never rent or borrow games, and I do not let people borrow games. I have ocd so I won't let a game close to my system if it looks dirty or in anyway scratched. As for borrowing its the same thing except people do not know how to treat their own games so I refuse to let them touch mine. Why would I need to buy new games if a system crashes? I buy physical copies, and even if they stick with the online pass system that gets attached to your account. I am looking at the big picture and quite frankly I will be happy to see used games go. I worked at gamestop for a time and it disgusted me how badly people treat their games, maybe if they knew they only had the one copy they will treat it better than acting like a game is a Frisbee. Also on a side note this gen, I have never had a problem with crashing consoles even though all my friends went through ps3s and 360s like they were candy bars.

[playboi28]

I don't think you realize that they are not talking about online passes. They are saying that once you buy a game, it is DRM locked to that console. It can't be transferred or surrendered. So, in other words, if your console crashes, you are screwed. All games that you bought are lost. You certainly are not "looking at the big picture." Also, I don't understand what you mean by only one copy. You can buy as many copies as you can afford. If you lose one or it becomes damaged, you can go to the store and buy another copy but it will once again be attached to one console. Personally, that hits home. My 360 has been replaced/repaired 3 times and I am on my 3rd 60GB PS3. My first 360 crashed at the same time everyone else did in 07, then the replacement they sent me lost video in 2009 and it was stolen in 2010. My PS3 was also stolen in 2010, replaced and the replacement broke in 2010. It was replaced yet again in 2010 and YLOD a month later. It was under warranty so I got another one and THAT one RLOD two days ago.

Also, for someone who worked at Gamestop, you understand how many people would be put out of work, right?

[neogeo]

Nintendo would become bigger then Apple and then destroy the whole universe.
If this happens the big N has no plans to stop used games. Think the Wii sold lots?, think about WiiU when it's the only used game friendly system with a years head start, deeper with gamestop then Whitney Huston in her coffin with her crack pipe.

Game Over.

EDIT: too soon?

[ZBlacktt]

It would mean Gamestop sells "old" used games.

[PirateThom]

Honestly, it wouldn't put me off buying any console since I only buy new games, however there has to be a degree of give and take here. Companies claim things like DLC and online passes are a direct response to used sales, if there's no used sales, then DLC by all rights, should be free. Ideally, a better option would be to reward people who buy new, rather than punish people who buy second hand.

[Rebo00]

Agreed, I rarely buy DLC if ever and would expect more time would go into the game being made so that they aren't rush and then do DLC later.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

The video game industry will be more profitable you will see more projects and less studios closing. It will be the end of on line game rentals and trade ins that is raping the industry of it's dollars.

[tweet75]

i just wonder will the systems know used games from borrowed games? If it means a game can only be played on one console and you wont be able to play it on later versions of the console would really hurt sony (which likes to make new versions of systems)

[wnek9]

it would mean less console sales.

[Ps3-PCgamer]

I remember back in the 90's almost all my games were bought brand new for my SNES. They were $60 back then just like now and people still bought them. So why would they stop now.

Lets be clear I think if Sony was to stop the use of used games then I'm sure Microsoft and Nintendo will soon follow. I mean do You actually think that Sony would ban used games While its competitors still allow it? It would be Corporate Suicide.

I believe that the whole Industry is about to make that move. Better for the publishers and that's where the Money is

[Rebo00]

I can't wait till they lock down games, I've never bought a used game and never will.
It's simple, the less money publishers make the fewer AAA Titles are made, the more money they make the more AAA Titles they make.
That or they raise the price of the initial sale of the game to make up for the pre-owned losers.
You can say you won't buy the Next-Gen console all you want but you will buy it the same way everyone slags off the Call of Duty games but still buys them in record breaking numbers.
Locked down games - RRP £40, money for Publisher £30, £10 for Retailer.
Pre-owned games - RRP £40, money for Publisher £30, £10 for Retilaer + £30 resale.
Don't be stupid :-)

[BlaqMagiq24]

What kind of logic is that? "The more money they make the more AAA titles they make." That's BS and you and I both know it. A AAA game is made more through time and effort than just money. You could have all the money in the world and a game could still come out terrible.

And let's not forget the DLC that's running rampant. Developers are making more money through that, so why get rid of used games? I don't see how it hurts the gaming industry at all. This has been around for far too long to say it's a problem now.

Also, by locking out used games, you hurt one part of the gaming market, which is GameStop. They are one of the biggest game retailers out there, and to lose them would be a big blow to the companies. It would hurt their sales and reputation.

[Tzuno]

It will make piratery much more violent because people want to psychically posses what they pay for and that goes against many beliefs and principles at least for the majority.

[violents]

easy solution,

new games come with some sort of code to use that unlocks the game. should you buy a used game at a discount, which cuts out the publisher and console maker from the money, then you have to go and buy a new code(say directly on PSN or XBLA) to unlock the game for you for say 5-10 bucks or something, depending on the age of the game perhaps even prorated depending on what the game goes for new at that point, so the developers can still get their share.

[ziggurcat]

the thing is:

the next playstation as well as the next xbox won't have this technology, so it's useless to speculate on the impact it would have.

[FarCryLover182]

I don't see this happening. Only way to lock out used games is to force the console to be connected to the internet. Sure, most people do have it...but some people dont and some dont have dsl either. I don't see why they'd want to alienate their audience.

[ziggurcat]

if anything, the only thing i see happening is a mandatory online pass for all games, not an anti-used game feature.

so even if you're not connected to the internet, you'd still be able to fully experience the single player campaign.

@ shuuwai: bionic commando rearmed says, "hi!"

[shuuwai]

Pc: Hi console, welcome to my world.

Make sure they add "need to be online to play single player games" that'll help sales

/s

[N8]

My problem is what do I do with all my old games? Trash them? The main reason I don't buy DLC is because wants your done with the game it's just wasted space.

[Tai_Kaliso]

This is the thing, Nintendo hasn't even been associated with the idea of locking out used games. They won the current generation easily. I don't think Sony or Microsoft would dare risk being the only console to lock used games, it would be catastrophic for the one that did lock them out.

Since none of these companies are going to talk beforehand, I don't think we have to worry about this issue right now. Sure its what the companies ultimately want, but I think they will settle for online passes until then.

Everyone is kind of jumping the gun with all of these rumors, it might of even been the console makers themselves to try and gauge reaction.

Its not the used issue for myself personally, because I've bought 90% of my games new this generation and that is for all three consoles. The deal for me is that my younger brother is my roommate and is in school and only working part time, since I'm an adult and own my own business I usually buy the online games new for me and him ie. Gears, Halo, COD, Battlefield ect... However, all single player games I just buy one and he'll play through my copy after I beat the game.

How is this wrong? In what world is that cheating anyone?

That is why this will never happen, and if/when it does, I'm done with new consoles altogether, I've stockpiled a impressive collection of retro games and consoles and I'll be content with those.

[Miacosa]

Some rumbles in the beginning, however, it looks like both of the new consoles are going to a PC like software model and it does not have used games and people still buy those games.

[NotSoSilentBob]

If games are locked to a single system you will see the console business go down the drain faster then the video game crash of the 80s.

[ACEMANWISE]

I don't think it will go that far next generation. I see it similar to EA's policy for PS3 games where the 1st console gives access to all users while all other consoles only work for the account that activated it.

What is going to happen is these developers are going to rent direct through the consoles. You download a game with an expiration date just like they do now with digital movies.

In the end places like Gamefly and Gamestop will die off unless they become apps like Vudu, Netflix, or some other store where they have to pay to sell their product through the console services like Xbox Live or PSN.

Once this system is in place the console services will continue to abuse consumers much like they do today. Each game purchased will be attached to your account. Each account will be attached to a server. Each server will be attached to your content....and your content will be attached to a service. Once the console generation ends I see the service ending as well. They will continue to make unreliable backup systems like they do now so that your content will eventually get lost. Don't believe me? They are already doing things of that nature now.

If a server gets shutdown for an online game because of inactivity then imagine when the entire game sits on a server. PS3 dropped backwards compatability not because of high costs but because they want you to buy the games all over again. Xbox Live dropped support for original Xbox console titles so that they can sell you the title online and make more money. HD collections, while justified, are more marketable because of this. If you stand back and watch their movements from a distance then the strategy becomes clear. Software control....online control....and gamer control. Metal Gear Solid 4 attempted to explain this through artistic expression. Play the game to see what I mean.

[theeg]

unfortunately, it IS going to happen, just because you don't want it to happen, does not mean it won't.

every game will come with a 20 or so digit code, you will enter it, it will unlock the game to your gamertag/machine, you will be able to play your game on any nextbox/ps4 by logging into your account, if you sell your game to a friend or give it away, your friend will need to either

a. purchase a new key online (hopefully at a discount)

b. have your login (better really trust that friend)

c. perhaps there will be a system for deactivating the key once and assigning it to a new machine, this would seem like a good system, allowing one deactivation per key.

sadly, this is what is coming next gen, the reason these things have leaked is because ms and sony want to prep you for the idea before the new consoles arrive