cookie monster wrote:If they figure out how to construct the system to not play used games then they are basically shooting them self in the foot cause most consumers are buying used games if they have a low income or have multiple kids rather then spending 50-60 on a new game the kids don't like i can't see me spending money on that type of system as for game fly they don't carry retro stock so i don't have any need for them
This is exactly right. This is just going to push the ever growing number of low income young people towards cheaper indie pc games. I hope they do it.
Maybe this is part of a plan to make Live less of a cesspool. Only problem is you still have the douchey kids who's parents can buy them new games on it, and I think they're the worst offenders.
Blizzard Entertainment Software Developer - All comments and views are my own and not representative of the company.
As much as I don't like the thought of not being able to play used games on the upcoming XBox console, it does sound like the industry wants to figure out how to move in that direction (from a business perspective) - obviously for profit. Will there be a huge consumer backlash that gives them pause? Will that push-back be enough? I'm sure the retailers selling used games will complain as well. Or will the masses' need to have the latest console(s) override these "features?" I don't think low-income is a demographic these companies are targeting. They are likely going for people with the money to spend and this is a means of closing off an avenue where these consumers can get a game for a few bucks less. Bucks that won't go to the publisher.
What I think will be interesting is how the newer/next generation of gamers will perceive concepts like not being able to play used games on a console. With kids today growing up with games on platforms like tablets and smartphones, there's no concept of "used." If you want to play the game, you buy it. Digital distribution will probably become even more established over time. I think at some point gamers will no longer have that historical context or personal experience to say that not being able to play used games on a console is wrong. It'll become one of those wide-eyed-retro-reminiscing-moments - "Wow, remember when folks had to physically buy games? Yeah, and remember when folks could even play them second-hand?"
I have seen the idea of online passes and project $10 become a lot more common these days. Obviously our broadband penetration in the U.S. is not where it needs to be to cut out physical media completely. Not everyone has or can get broadband internet still and even those that do may have download limit cap/max that might potentially limit how many games they could download.
What we might see is a system where games are still distributed on discs but every single one of them comes with an online pass or a "project $10" code packed in with the system. The code will either be needed one time only to boot up the game at all (single player or multiplayer) or else it will give you some sort of bonus content once registered. You would either register the code using your own broadband connection or there could be some sort of free 3G service that comes standard in the console that is used for game activation only. The free 3G service could be available to everyone who owns the console in the same manner that the Amazon Kindle comes free standard 3G for everyone that buys a Kindle.
The bottom line is if you have cell phone service in your area, you can activate your game which should cover most people. If you buy the game used you may need to buy the activation code for an extra $10-15 similar to how it works now.
If they're doing it, it'd be as a stepping stone to pure digital distribution.
Consider physical copies of games that use Steamworks for DRM. Effectively, the disc is simply an installer cache. It's barely different than if you'd just bought the game on Steam in the first place, but you don't need to worry about downloading it.
I could see MS trying to do that for Live, but I don't think their sole motivation would be to kill used games off.
khyrox wrote:What I think will be interesting is how the newer/next generation of gamers will perceive concepts like not being able to play used games on a console. With kids today growing up with games on platforms like tablets and smartphones, there's no concept of "used." If you want to play the game, you buy it. Digital distribution will probably become even more established over time. I think at some point gamers will no longer have that historical context or personal experience to say that not being able to play used games on a console is wrong.
This is why I think we need to nip anti-used games policies and DRM in the bud. Companies clearly believe they are entitled to more money every time anyone, anywhere enjoys their game. If they force this agenda long enough, the idea will become the accepted norm and it won't be good for anyone but the publishers.
I kind of hope Microsoft does make an Xbox that won't play used games. Right now, it would probably bomb and scare others away from trying such a policy again.
Since this signature affects old posts, I'm leaving a message here in case anyone searches for my username. This account died in early 2013. I am no longer a fundamentalist.
Don't add to my problems by pretending my past views are still held in the present. I do not have any patience for that. Feel free to ask me what I think now.
Netflix recently announced that they are not going to do game rentals as previously planned (back when they were going to split off into Qwickster). I find the timing of this announcement and the Xbox anti-used game rumors highly suspicious. *puts on tinfoil hat* I think Netflix knows something that we don't.
DinnerX wrote:I kind of hope Microsoft does make an Xbox that won't play used games. Right now, it would probably bomb and scare others away from trying such a policy again.
If the price is right, I'm ok with an Xbox that won't play used games. That's the key. I already have devices that won't play used games: ipod, ipad, DSiWare, 3DS Shop.
khyrox wrote:What I think will be interesting is how the newer/next generation of gamers will perceive concepts like not being able to play used games on a console. With kids today growing up with games on platforms like tablets and smartphones, there's no concept of "used." If you want to play the game, you buy it. Digital distribution will probably become even more established over time. I think at some point gamers will no longer have that historical context or personal experience to say that not being able to play used games on a console is wrong.
This is why I think we need to nip anti-used games policies and DRM in the bud. Companies clearly believe they are entitled to more money every time anyone, anywhere enjoys their game. If they force this agenda long enough, the idea will become the accepted norm and it won't be good for anyone but the publishers.
I kind of hope Microsoft does make an Xbox that won't play used games. Right now, it would probably bomb and scare others away from trying such a policy again.
Just like how Steam bombed.
Blizzard Entertainment Software Developer - All comments and views are my own and not representative of the company.
i'd be interested in seeing sales data on the current digital distribution of Xbox 360 games vs. their physical counterparts. the pricing structure is essentially the same for DD as it is for retail, obviously without the "benefit" (or "detriment") of the physical media. i wonder how profitable this has been for MS and if that's influencing their decision at all.
