Publishers and their used games gripes.

[Flake]

So while i'll agree there are differences, they are the same when it matters. EA deserves no money for a used game sold any more than Ford does for a used car sold. The fact that Ford offers a better incentive for buying new really doesnt enter that equation.

I think the concept of incentives for buying new should enter the equation.

What in the hell do game developers actually do to give anyone an incentive to buy their game new at $60? In a free market scenario the presumption of self-interest and rationality is made for all. So why in the heck would anyone be expected to shell out $60 for a game when they have every reason to assume that if they wait they can have the same game for much less? Unless you are a collector, rabid fan, or just can't wait there is no actual reason to buy a game new at full price. NONE.

If publishers really want to get the used game sales to slow down, they either need to provide an incentive or lower their prices to undercut the used game market.

[jp1]

They should just start having some kind of collectible pack in. Like trading cards or something related to the game. If they could get them popular enough to bring the value up then it could be a really cheap way to encourage people to purchase new. I doubt that the used trade in copies would still have something like that included.

Even a one time use download code for something separate from the game like a small animated feature or a set of concept art or something. They could even make a club the same way that Nintendo has and offer incentives with a certain amount of points but only allow people to gain points by showing proof of purchase of a new item.

Drop scratch off cards in the new games with a chance to win prizes. 1 in a million could win a free game and 1 in 15 million could win something really cool like a limited edition 5 print run copy of the game.

There are a million ways to reward the people who purchase new without punishing the people who purchase used. The problem is all of them would require a little effort, a little money, and a little respect and concern for the consumer. They obviously aren't willing to give any of that.

[Pulsar_t]

Penny Arcade are a pair of c*nts. Second hard market worse than piracy? Get a fncking grip.

[ZeroAX]

Penny Arcade are a pair of c*nts. Second hard market worse than piracy? Get a fncking grip.

Well they have entered the market themselves so it's natural that they'll be against the costumer who likes to buy used games. Even though their game was digital distribution only

[Flake]

Penny Arcade are a pair of c*nts. Second hard market worse than piracy? Get a fncking grip.

I love their strip and some of the things they do for the community but Gabe and Tycho have long had this stupid, unrealistic view of the industry. It's like someone needs to remind them that customers wallets aren't by default open to the games industry - if a game company wants my money it first needs to convince me to give it to them.

[jfrost]

But most gaming websites are like that, aren't they? They get every game out at launch and assume readers do the same. I know Destructoid seems to be like that (it's the gaming website I read the most).

[Flake]

But most gaming websites are like that, aren't they? They get every game out at launch and assume readers do the same. I know Destructoid seems to be like that (it's the gaming website I read the most).

Destructoid is about the only major gaming news outlet I wouldn't level that accusation at. Jim Sterling (say what you will about him) has done a marvelous job of making Destructoids stance on used-games clear: Used games are a fact and publishers are in denial of the benefit used games bring to the market in general.

A recent 'Jimquisition' on that very subject

[ZeroAX]

Destructoid is about the only major gaming news outlet I wouldn't level that accusation at. Jim Sterling (say what you will about him) has done a marvelous job of making Destructoids stance on used-games clear: Used games are a fact and publishers are in denial of the benefit used games bring to the market in general.

A recent 'Jimquisition' on that very subject

I lost count of how many times I agreed with what that guy was saying. Probably because I agreed with every freaking thing the guy said. Although he was saying what we've all been thinking.

[jp1]

Destructoid is about the only major gaming news outlet I wouldn't level that accusation at. Jim Sterling (say what you will about him) has done a marvelous job of making Destructoids stance on used-games clear: Used games are a fact and publishers are in denial of the benefit used games bring to the market in general.

A recent 'Jimquisition' on that very subject

I lost count of how many times I agreed with what that guy was saying. Probably because I agreed with every freaking thing the guy said. Although he was saying what we've all been thinking.

Your pulling my leg right? I have been saying 90% of what he said in that video and you and others have been disagreeing with me the entire time.

His points include:

Publishers want extra money with no extra effort or work. -check-
Publishers are greedy assholes and all they do is whine or blame the customer. -check-
Not all of these games are worth $60 and the companies should make them better or quit complaining. -check-
They should be rewarding people who purchase new and not punishing those that purchase used. -check-
The used games industry helps instead of hurts the publishers in the end because it increases new game sales instead of taking away from them. -check-

Seriously? Now you agree? I give up...

[ZeroAX]

Um no you said that publishers don't deserve to get money because they have giant profits and that they take dumps on golden toilets and that making a game is like being on vacation.