Used videogame/video game revenues dilema.

[gekko]

What I always find interesting about this topic is how we seem to pretend this is a new problem. Used games and GameStop have been around since the first consoles, so while it may hurt the profit of publishers, it's been hurting them as long as they have been in business. The only difference I see now is the possibility to prevent it with digital distribution.

That being said, I don't think these "passes" are the best solution. It solely benefits the publisher, and I don't think most consumers really care how much money these corporations earn. I think we need to find solutions where the consumer gets a benefit for buying this non-resellable version of the game.

[Blix]

Originally Posted by gekko

What I always find interesting about this topic is how we seem to pretend this is a new problem. Used games and GameStop have been around since the first consoles, so while it may hurt the profit of publishers, it's been hurting them as long as they have been in business. The only difference I see now is the possibility to prevent it with digital distribution.

That being said, I don't think these "passes" are the best solution. It solely benefits the publisher, and I don't think most consumers really care how much money these corporations earn. I think we need to find solutions where the consumer gets a benefit for buying this non-resellable version of the game.

It's definitely not a new problem but games cost more and take more time to develop than ever before and I can only see that trend continuing. How much did a SNES or Genesis game cost to develop and how long did it take? And the companies responsibilities should end with the person who bought the game straight off the store. I have a mixed opinion on these passes. Like the article says, you don't expect all of the benefits from buying something used in anything besides video games. I am having a hard time deciding if it is OK to charge people for these passes for the online aspects of the game or if they're crossing the line here. Some games do have servers which need maintenance and the game itself keeps getting updated.

[gekko]

My main issue with the passes is it affects people who rent or borrow the game.