News of the PS4 and speculation of the next Xbox have been exciting news for us gamers. However, what are your thoughts on the current rumours surrounding next-gen pre owned games?
Day 1 Digital – Preparation to phase-out pre owned next-gen games, or just pure coincidence?
Lets take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of Sony and/or Microsoft phasing-in some form of anti pre owned games system. At the moment, lets go with the ‘Pre owned Trial’ system. A method that will force the gamer to pay extra in order to unlock the pre owned game:
Advantages:
– Games developers and publishers should generate more profits with a majority of sales coming from new games. This will mean larger budgets to enhance existing game IP’s and also give developers a better chance of taking the financial risk of setting-up totally new IP’s.
– New releases (such as Far Cry 3, Dead Space 3, Tomb Raider and Hitman: Absolution) seem to be hitting the SALE sections much earlier, now. Think of the bargains that will await if devs and publishers are making even more money from their releases (platinum, classics etc.).
– You’ll no longer want to buy that pre owned copy of a game that smells like someone’s urinated on it and has an instruction booklet that looks like a dog, baby or grandma has been chewing at it. Eeeeeeeewwww….
Disadvantages:
– Gamers would certainly think twice before purchasing a console that restricts pre owned games being fully playable
– Pre owned games could end up costing the gamer even more than a new copy, pretty much wiping-out the pre owned market
– Game retail could shut down overnight. Pre owned games are a major money spinner for stores such as Blockbuster and GAME (stores that are already in trouble).
Looking at the pros and cons above, sure makes this a decision that Sony and Microsoft can’t make on a whim. The game industry may become stronger but potentially at the cost of retail stores that feed them. But…is Sony’s ‘Day One Digital’ system a move to prepare for such a pre owned strike? Have the major players already stuck a knife into the heart of game retail?
Hit the comments and let us know what you think?
