Rumour: The next Xbox won't play used games

[BRIK]

If they did there would be a huge consumer backlash, and a shitstorm for Microsoft to handle.
Although I've never bought an Xbox in my life, so this doesn't really bother me that much.

[Zing]

Xbox fans can look forward to buying DVD cases that contain nothing but a serial number to download the game.

Ok, maybe Microsoft will spend the few cents to include a disc with the game encrypted on it, unlocked by said serial number and permanently tied to your Live account.

[BoringSupreez]

Xbox fans can look forward to buying DVD cases that contain nothing but a serial number to download the game.

No, it'd just be a paper card with a code on it, like the way they do MS points.

[Weekend_Warrior]

Next Xbox - Doesn't play used games
PS4 and Wii U - Plays used games

Gee I wonder which console would prevail

[CFFJR]

Eh, I need to hear more substantial info before I can think too much about it.

As it stands, it feels too much like the rumor that it is, and it just doesn't make sense.

If it did happen as discussed though, even though I think its kinda shitty, it wouldn't affect me much at all. I almost never buy used copies of current gen games. If I can't afford it new, I don't buy it.

I know that's kind of a no skin off my nose way of looking at it, but there's not a damn thing I can do about it if Microsoft actually takes a chance and tries this.

[Jmustang1968]

I still prefer to have physical media. If the next Xbox were to do this, I see little reason to get it if I already have a Gaming PC...

[Ivo]

If the rumor has any portion of truth to it, then it is based on something like download-only and very likely being exaggerated. I don't think Microsoft would go download only so soon, even though Steam is working wonderfully.

What probably goes is that Microsoft will develop their downloadable only section and make it available to publishers in such a way that publishers can choose to make games in disc + download or download only. Publishers that choose download only then are "safe" from used games, but if they don't price accordingly (as Steam does) it will be a failure.

Ivo.

[Weekend_Warrior]

If this is true, I'm betting that games would require some sort of online registration in order to be played. If they did that, that would end the ability to play a used copy of the game on that console... that is until hackers find a way around it of course.

[Korpi]

Sounds believable, whether this specific rumor is legit or not. Where did you get the digital download only idea from? I get the idea that it's online authentication/registration or something that sort, but you still have physical media as option for most games.

If it's happening, it does make feel like I'm dropping out of the whole next gen home console thing. It's one less argument against playing same games on PC.

[Hatta]

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.