We've been talking a lot about the next-gen of consoles lately; Each day brings us closer to the next generation. But both the rumored Xbox 720 and the rumored PlayStation 4 (or "Orbis), are said to be shipping with some sort of built in prevention of playing used games. Longtime industry analyst Michael Pachter says "not so fast" about the next PlayStation blocking pre-owned games.
According to Pachter, “It isn’t really in Sony’s or Microsoft’s best interests to block used games."
“It would benefit Activision and EA slightly, and would hurt GameStop a great deal. If Sony unilaterally did this, I could see GameStop refusing to carry their console, and sales of the PS4 would therefore suffer.”
Pachter doubts that any of the "Big Three" console makers “are stupid enough to do this unilaterally” or “evil enough to do it together." I say that underestimating the evil of big businesses is a perilous mistake!
Seriously, though, I think Pachter makes a very good point about what a mistake it would be to not let people play used games. I think the current trend -- force used gamers to pay extra for online portions of games -- seems to be working out pretty well for everyone in the game business. As for consumers: It's annoying, but livable.
While the rumored PS4 will not make an appearance at E3 2012, Sony will still having big things to show off.
Source: VG247
All of the best people are following Stephen Johnson's twitter feed. Also, email me if you wanna.
Comments are Closed
Comments
Displaying 1–20 of 37
122
HYPNOSIS
I have said forever,that games that have popular online should always give you the option of getting just the single player,just the multiplayer,or both. maybe something like 3o$ for just sp,30$ for just multi,or 60$ like normal if want both. Its such a great idea. Like for instance, Cod series.None of my friends have ever even played the sp campaign. Thats such a waste of like half the game. Now i know its their choice to not use that aspect of the game while still paying for it. I mainly only play the sp myself,because its there. if i had the option to only buy the multiplayer,i would be all over that. Ii kinda hope sony is maybe going go in that direction. Seeing how they just did that with Killzone 3 mutlplayer on psn. Letting you just buy the multiplayer.Awesome idea. If i didnt already own kz3 and wasnt done playing its mp,due to playing mw3 now. I would have got it.
RelicCastle
With all due respect,I have absolutely have contempt for people that buy used....there the reason why games cost 70 dollars in the first place,because people that buy used are not paying there fair share of the games,so the people that are actually paying new are taking up the slack for people that buy used.....there is no way new games should cost 70 dollars in the first damn place,but nnnnoooo the people that buy used are too damn cheap,so to cover the cost of people buying used they have to charged 70 dollars to cover the cost of the people buying used!!!!
Keth
What about a console that requires an internet connection? Or at the least certain games other than the indie ones on XBLA.
I think it's more pertinent for the companies to consider piracy than used game sales. This whole kerfuffle (teehee) seems like a rumor made up to get people flustered and talking about the new systems.
Keth
What about a console that requires an internet connection? Or at the least certain games other than the indie ones on XBLA.
I think it's more pertinent for the companies to consider piracy than used game sales. This whole kerfuffle (teehee) seems like a rumor made up to get people flustered and talking about the new systems.
Sgt_Nomad_Zero
Apparently no one realizes that this has nothing to do with gamestop. It's all about game rental companies like gamefly.
6Fang6Gamer6
I usually buy old games used since it's cheaper then buying the same game new. They do realize games would start piling up since you won't be able to sell them back and you can't give them to a friend plus I don't think anyone would want to just break it. If SONY does it I wouldn't care since I only use my PS3 for Netflix but I use my Xbox for actually playing games. How would you feel if you can't play an old game you love since someone has already played it? It would practically ruin gaming for alot of people.
ceggert
Poor software companies. boo hoo. You don't hear book companies complaining that used bookstores are getting all the profit form the used books they sell.
I can't imagine that the hardware companies will restrict their consoles to new games only and if they did then the software geniuses out there will crack the systems anyway.
Also, if they did do that to the new consoles, I'll just live with my PS3 until I die. If it dies first then I'll buy a PS3 for even cheaper than I bought mine in the first place. There are so many games on the PS3 I can't live long enough to play them all anyway.
TheJollyJokers
Hey Sony and Microsoft...you really wish to block me or anyone else from selling our beaten and unwanted games? If you truly do, then I will wait to buy all my new games only after they are considered to be "old." I have already decided to switch to PC gaming rather than shell out $700 or more for new console hardware, have to wait for them to work out all of the kinks (and hope I don't get a bricked console and I am lookin at both Sony and Microsoft, yup) or $400 for the WiiU. Console exclusive titles alone will do little to inspire heavy adoption. Oh, and if you think next generation's games' will be cheaper or the same, you are delusional. Add 20% to new game prices and even cheaper and lesser valued "DLC" for the grand future of gaming.
And if there are a ton of really awesome, I absolutely must have to play games on any system, I might buy that...in 2022.
scorpian876
According to Pachter, It isn t really in Sony s or Microsoft s best interests to block used games." So this might not happen until the next Gen Consoles come out and Sony and Microsoft know;s blocking used games is bad business for them,so it would It would benefit Activision and EA slightly, and would hurt GameStop a great deal.(hmm It would benefit Activision and EA slightly),so in a nut shell(Pachter doubts that any of the "Big Three" console makers are stupid enough to do this unilaterally or evil enough to do it together." I say that underestimating the evil of big businesses is a perilous mistake! )
ForlornGuardian
Gamestop is basically a pawnshop for video games and electronics. no one ever complained about actual pawnshops selling used merchandise. So blocking used games is just retarded. Also people need to consider that not everyone has the money to shell out $60 for a new game all the time, used games are cheaper and more affordable to the average consumer. So if Microsoft and Sony do this then they end up not only hurting themselves but there fan base.
Ps. If this happens I going to stick with my 360.
pingerdinger
Just recently built my new PC so haha suckers. But on a serious note I own a 360 and I plan on buying a ps3 once the PS4 comes out. A next generation system is going to cost more then $600 so screw that.
DPsx72
I've said the same things, my experience pays off even if I'm not receiving a paycheck like this guy.
They'd be cutting off a huge source of money just to save a few bucks. It makes no sense to put such strict measures on a platform. When I threaten to quit due to the loss of a physical format or whatever I can guarantee I won't be the only one leaving the market. I've a huge collection of games to fall back on and replay. The new generation will result in the next market crash.
And to the idiots demonizing GS, find a new song. They sell plenty of new products, usually because of the credit they give for trade-ins. Few people lack the reasoning to wait for used prices to drop below $50, and when the price hits a sweet spot GS is only making a marginal profit. You merely end up helping someone else buy a new game. They may not be the best store as far as competitive prices but GS is not that bad and many other retailers are also selling used products.
Wessssss
eliminating the used game market is incredibly stupid idea. if you're losing money because of the second hand sales market do what automakers do AND HAVE SHOPS THAT DEAL IN THAT MARKET. Just because you don't know how to deal with it doesn't mean you should eliminate it. grow with the times or get out of the way. hell I'd buy my games straight from the manufacturer if I could why give Gamestop or BestBuy or whoever a piece.
jonesybones09
Since pacther said it won't happen, it gonnna... Pacther is an idiot. all his predictions are always wrong
psycotic45249
me and a close friend had a discussion about this. sony more than likly wont use software like this because of how much it would hurt their fan base. its probably a publicity stunt to get their system information sent out to piss people off, in which they will recieve mass emails from users threatening to go to microsoft or xbox, after which they will announce that they have changed their mind because of the massive loss of customers. ive already made the decision that if they do release a system that blocks used games, im moving to xbox. AND BEFORE YOU GET ALL FANBOY DISCUSSION ON ME I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING! i got a ps3 because at the time my internet was total crap, and i wasnt willing to pay microsoft the amount they wanted for live service, when i couldnt stay signed in. personally, my thoughts on the sony/microsoft fued is that its stupid. both consoles are great, and have their own unique console specific games. ps3 has god of war, little big planet, killzone, etc. xbox has halo, gears of war, and soon to come... MINECRAFT :D
greenpurp
i have no problem buying my games from best buy ECT. but if it is the only way then i want to see some free DLC's when i buy the game.
bolo73
I doubt they will go straid digital in the next gen. That would be to big of a gap for some parents to over come tech wise or trust in a gaming console. I am hopeful they will not do away with used games. I bought plenty of used games for my kids over the years. I do prefer to buy new but that is mainly after a price drop.
Teddy-24/7Gammer-
...srsly....i understand why people are standing up for GameStop...but...your point and there "threat" is an invalid one....let me put this into perspective from Sony/MS
GS: " Hey, if you do this we will stop selling your games and people will have to go to walmart and amazon for new ones >:[.
Sony/MS: "ummm.....no dip...this way we make more money....its pretty much what we wanted....glad you kinda got the idea of what was about to happen. Happy you could make yourself feel like the one making decisions by threatening us...."
GS: "...." >8O
Sony/MS: "Yeahhh >.>.......HAVE FUN! :D"
-End-
Come on....anyone who thinks that Gamestop not selling the consoles will hurt any sells is an idiot...if the consumer really wants it they will go door to door till' they find a store that has the product they want. And if they dont, they dont want the product that badly....just sayn'. And sorry for any spelling/grammer
ShortFreakyDude
If we let this happen, where does Sony stop?!?!
Downloading sharing is down to 2 playstations, we cant modify our systems, we lose backwards combility, and now we have to pay for online pass codes(which is a pain in the ass for people with more than one playstation)...
I love playstation from day 1, but if you keep poking me in the eye... xbox is right around the corner...
romeostruedude
If they go through with this then they better stop believing in the thought I will spend 60-70 bucks ON ONE VIDEO GAME!!!! Maybe these gaming companies are doingn it wrong. Maybe there is a reason why we love used games. Maybe they should do what THEY do. (MAKE THEIR GAMES CHEAPER!!!! I mean if Batman Arkham City was about 20 Dollars the day it came out....do you realize how many copies woulda been sold over the 50 (+) price tag!?!?!?! Seriously....that would be a lot of copies sold.
Displaying 1–20 of 37
122