There’s been a lot of brouhaha that the next Xbox (which I refuse to call “Xbox 720″) could include technology to combat used games sales. Of course, developers have already been attempting this by implementing one time use DLC and Online Pass codes with new games. Even still, people remain trading used games. An outright disable of used software, however, would be detrimental to Gamestop’s profits. During a conference call with investors, GameStop CEO Paul Raines today voiced his disbelief for such technology.
“We think it’s unlikely that there would be that next-gen console because the model simply hasn’t been proven to work, Remember, used video games have a residual value. Remember GameStop generates $1.2 billion of trade credits around the world with our used game model. So, consider taking used games out of that, you’d have to find new ways to sell the games.
The pre-owned business is not a cannibalistic business. If you follow the popular conventional wisdom, you would think pre-owned is replacing new. The truth is, pre-owned is an opening price-point category. The average price is $18. A lot of it is old generation. What it is is a category for the customer who’s maybe not ready to invest in a new game, but wants to get into the console business and console entertainment.
What we’ve done is create a way for that new leading edge consumer to dispose of their old games, and that’s what creates this great circle of life we talk about that so many try to imitate. That’s how we see it.”
The good news is that if he’s right, you can continue to pay $5 less than a new copy for a coverless, grimy copy of a game.
Hooray!
Source: Eurogamer
3 Comments
One of my biggest fears in life right here. If used games go out the window, I’m seriously boned! I buy almost everything except a handful of must haves around the buy 2 get 1 used sales at game shops.
The only thing that bothers me is that this is coming from the GameStop CEO, whose company has far more to lose if word catches about this technology. Now, if I heard this from Microsoft, I could sleep at night!
The “no used games” “digital distribution only” thing was never a very believable rumor. While that might make certain publishers happy, there’s too many other aspects of the business that would suffer because of it.
I honestly doubt the Next Xbox can find a way to tell if a game is used or new. For one any used games traded in and sold will probably have to get a new sticker or code, and then the system would probably ask for that code before it decides if it wants to upload it or not, and if gamers have to go through that kind of a hassle, I sincerely doubt it’ll be a big seller. It’ll be what probably kills that system if it happens.
Developers and Publishers should probably actually make their games look (to the eye on the consumer) and be worth it instead of always making them shorter then being worth 50-60 dollars new. Multiplayer is certainly not enough to warrant the high price tag, especially with the stupid Online pass garbage.
Used games are good for those who never thought of trying out a series because of the price. If they ended up liking it, they may be more keen on buying the next one at full price when it comes out. May be