GameStop Says Gamers Won't Buy Consoles Without Used Games

[Captain Billy]

So guys, how many of you would refuse to buy a console that didn't play used games?

You know what? I certainly would. Given my rather limited entertainment budget, I almost exclusively purchase used games. I've only ever purchased two brand new games in my life, and I quite enjoy the ability to go down to a games retailer and buy a bunch of used games for about twenty bucks.

 

[wildpeaks]

If they block used games, I will have to switch to PC gaming. I don't want to do that. I like to lay down when I play

Just plug the pc to the tv and use a wireless controller, you don't need to have a console to lay down

 

[Mothhive]

While it's quite obvious the figure has been pulled from thin air to try and make Sony and Microsoft think twice before eliminating used games, I wouldn't be surprised if a fairly high percentage of console gamers would say that. Only problem is, a lot of people are all talk. If both Microsoft and Sony prevented used game sales, would they really just give up on ever playing the latest games? No fucking chance. They'd just suck it up and eventually come to accept it, just like PC Gamers did. Hell, with the used market eliminated, games might actually get cheaper, there could be less bullshit DLC to try and make more money, and great developers/publishers may stop shutting down.

 

[braincore02]

Wow for once I agree with a corporate sound bite. I will not be buying the next Xbox if they make good on rumors of blocking used games and spying on us with kinect. I'll stick with my pc. If Sony wants to pull shinnanigans they can piss off too. If they're smart they won't be so anti consumer and actually win a bunch of market share from MS.

 

[GonzoGamer]

After reading the article again, I will bet they only interviewed people coming into gamestop and who were buying used games at the counter as to if they would buy a console that doesnt allow used games.

Worse yet,
I bet they only asked the Gamestop fanboys that buy into the whole magazine subscription/"bonus deals" thing they try selling you any time you walk into one of those places.
I aint a fan of Gamestop, if I'm only going to save $2 off the new copy, I'll just buy it new... and I mean new, not one of the employees took it home to play but really took good care of it we promise "new."

The reason I wont buy a console that blocks used games is because I do like to rent and I also have a couple of friends who I lend/borrow with. When I buy a game I will usually buy it new (the only exception being the occasional game I keep from the rental) but I do like to try a game out before putting down $60.

You kind of have to deal with the same thing on the PC but at least the games usually go down in price faster.

 

[lord.jeff]

Agreed I wouldn't buy a console that didn't allow used games but not so much because of not being able to buy used games but because I like being able to take a game to a friends house so that I can play with them.

 

[Frostbite3789]

Really? I've been playing PC games for years, without used games. And I'm doing just fine.

 

[Nghtgnt]

So guys, how many of you would refuse to buy a console that didn't play used games?

As it stands I barely do any console gaming at all - the only games I've bought in the past year for my XBOX 360 were Halo 4 and Mass Effect 3. I buy so few console games that usually I buy them new anyways, but I like having the option to buy used, and removing that option would significantly push me towards giving up on consoles altogether.

 

[Dreiko_v1legacy]

I hear this lending of games subject coming up as an issue. Can't you just like, temporarily lend or exchange systems with your friends if it's THAT integral to you that you're able to lend games? If it matters to you to the point where it'd sway your purchase and your chance to experience the must have games of the new systems then I don't see why not do it.


I really don't get why lending is such a big wrench in the pipeline or whatever. Sure, it's a bit more trouble to share systems and whatnot, I'll give you that....but if you don't find that trouble worth it enough for the chance of being able to play ps4/xbox720 games then you likely value these games too little in the first place...which would have me wonder why even bother posting on a gaming website instead of a website involving something which you actually value some.

Totally hypothetical, but what would you folks think about this: Consoles without used game support (it would be tied to your console and/or your gamer profile) but new games cost $40 on launch. Thoughts?

Well, this system is pretty much already in place with things such as PSN releases and whatnot. Games such as Agarest War 2 are sold for less than a retail copy but are tied to your own PSN and can't be resold. I have already purchased a bunch of them, it's a good model.



The only things harmed by this system are bad games that aren't worth anything beyond their resale for a fraction of the original value price. All it'd do is make the good games stand out more and leave less leeway for crappy ones. Fewer crappy games being played (when they're only being played cause they're sold for a really low price) is a good thing.

 

[Space Jawa]

In short, one possible scenario goes like this: While gamers might not be into it initially, the publishers will be (no used games = more sales), so they'll flock to the console(s) that blocks used games, while abandoning those that allow them. As a result, all the major titles will be coming out for that console, forcing the players to switch to it or not get to play the major releases.

Now, that's just one possible scenario, but it's not an unlikely one. Also, while dedicated gamers fuss and protest and boycott and whatnot (as consumers should do when faced with bullshit), the general public is willing to accept quite a bit of punishment and still fork over the cash. Since the publishers follow the money, the market segment that is actually sufficiently aware as consumers to actually care might end up being too small to be truly relevant.

Basically, if they want to block used game sales, they'll most likely get away with it. Sucks.

Quite the opposite, if you ask me.

To the contrary of what you're saying, it'll be the dedicated gamers that will be most willing to accept the punishment and fork over the cash for access to their "AAA" franchise titles. The more hard-core a gamer they are, the more likely they'll be willing to put up with such behavior if it means getting to play the latest 'must-have' game.

The general public, on the other hand, will quickly reject these publishers once they learn that buying these $60+ games means they're stuck with them once they purchase them and that renting is not an option - which will inevitably be a side effect.

I don't see how they can pull off killing used games without killing off rentals as well.

 

[Christopher Meeks]

So many self inflicted gunshot wounds to the feet its like being at a drunken texas wedding. If they take away our ability to buy, sell, and rent used games, that's it. Games like operation darkness, deadly premonition, and even dark souls will die in obscurity. I will NOT pay 70 bucks to take a chance on a game that my or may not be worth it. The only time anyone would by a game is when they know it's a game they absolutely want to play, like AssCreed 4 or COD BLOPs 3 or...or...what a minute.........Well played EA...well played

 

[Christopher Meeks]

So many self inflicted gunshot wounds to the feet its like being at a drunken texas wedding. If they take away our ability to buy, sell, and rent used games, that's it. Games like operation darkness, deadly premonition, and even dark souls will die in obscurity. I will NOT pay 70 bucks to take a chance on a game that my or may not be worth it. The only time anyone would by a game is when they know it's a game they absolutely want to play, like AssCreed 4 or COD BLOPs 3 or...or...what a minute.........Well played EA...well played

Sorry, I meant to say well playe EA, Ubisoft, Square Enix, Capcom, and 2k.

 

[Assassin Xaero]

So guys, how many of you would refuse to buy a console that didn't play used games?

I'm mostly a PC gamer, so... well... there is your answer. We haven't had used games, in... hell, I dunno how long. So obviously it doesn't bother me even when I thought it would have.

 

[csoloist]

Totally hypothetical, but what would you folks think about this: Consoles without used game support (it would be tied to your console and/or your gamer profile) but new games cost $40 on launch. Thoughts?

I totally think this is the future... Well, this and mostly digital distro. Without printing, distribution and retailer markup MS/Sony and their affiliate publishers will make more money per copy AND sell more copies. More monies for everyone.

Personally I kinda miss the you-buy-it-you-own-it cart and big box PC game mentality. But then I'm old enough to have 30 year old games that still work without any hassles. That's sure as hell not going to be the case in the future.

 

[Space Jawa]

Totally hypothetical, but what would you folks think about this: Consoles without used game support (it would be tied to your console and/or your gamer profile) but new games cost $40 on launch. Thoughts?

I totally think this is the future... Well, this and mostly digital distro. Without printing, distribution and retailer markup MS/Sony and their affiliate publishers will make more money per copy AND sell more copies. More monies for everyone.

Only if they don't run into the problem of fewer people purchasing their games. That would cut into their profits real quick.

 

[Dreiko_v1legacy]

Totally hypothetical, but what would you folks think about this: Consoles without used game support (it would be tied to your console and/or your gamer profile) but new games cost $40 on launch. Thoughts?

I totally think this is the future... Well, this and mostly digital distro. Without printing, distribution and retailer markup MS/Sony and their affiliate publishers will make more money per copy AND sell more copies. More monies for everyone.

Only if they don't run into the problem of fewer people purchasing their games. That would cut into their profits real quick.

If the people not purchasing the games were the ones which don't cause of not having bought a system due to this used game thing, it stands to reason they would buy a pretty big fraction of their games used. This translates to the companies never seeing much if any money from them at all in the first place. How would that cut into their profits?

 

[SecondPrize]

So guys, how many of you would refuse to buy a console that didn't play used games?

I would. Used games are one of the few things that differentiate consoles from the PC in a good way, imo. If you're offering a product that isn't as powerful, it seems like you'd want to hang on to what makes you better than the alternative. I may be looking at getting a PS4 but it simply won't happen if they pull this shit.

 

[Baldr]

I walked into GameStop on Monday to buy a 3DS. Decided on the Cosmo Black, I specifically asked if there were any "new" ones. Went out to the car an opened it up, a couple seals on the box and it look professionally wrapped. I took it out, looked like there was stuff downloaded to it. I opened up the pictures and look like someone inside of an aircraft. The picture was dated 3 days prior. I opened up the Activity Log, someone had been playing "3D Super Mario" for 20 hours. I brought it back into the store showed them, got a refund and went to Wal-mart and got a factory sealed one.