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During a recent speech at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, GameStop CFO Rob Lloyd said that 60 percent of customers said they would not buy a new gaming console if it couldn’t play used titles. The admission comes as we continue to hear rumblings that at least one next generation console maker could be prepared to blocked previously played games.
The executive told those in attendance that consumers want the ability to play pre-owned games in addition to having portability and physicality in games. Not having these elements, he said, would be a substantial reason for potential buyers to avoid purchasing a new console.
What’s more, he noted that only about four percent of their used game sales are for titles that were released in the last 60 days. He likely highlighted that fact to show that their used games market typically deals with older, out-of-print games that are being given another chance at life.
GameStop didn’t elaborate on how they collected information for this survey and as Ars Technica points out, saying you aren’t going to buy a system for one reason or another is certainly different than actually sticking to your guns – especially when a game you really want is an exclusive on said console. Furthermore, one would be forgiven for thinking it a bit suspicious that GameStop, a company that has an obvious interest in used game sales, would issue such a statement.
What's your take on the topic? Would you buy a next genration console knowing it could only play brand new games?
User Comments: 57
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treetops said:
I hope no one buys used games at gamestop.... ebay is insanely cheaper
not being able to use used games would likely result in me just sticking to pc, I dont game much anymore anyways
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Duckula22 said:
I hope no one buys used games at gamestop.... ebay is insanely cheapernot being able to use used games would likely result in me just sticking to pc, I dont game much anymore anyways
It may be a matter of how lazy people can get, too me console gaming is all right, but mostly for the lazy who can't be bother with "installing" a game, I get some installers are a PITA, but seriously if legit users get pushed harder and harder into a corner, and it's give us your money or give us your money, I figure some are bound to wake up, most are just lazy though, and they create the conditions for these crappy market status quo that still manages to cripple choice even for the few die hard old fashioned shoppers like myself and many more.
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If they stop the consumer from using their own games that they still have liscencing rights too, then they are in a world of financial hurt.
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Well I was paying Blockbuster in the UK about 5quid a month to be in possession of one of their game disks at a time. So over the entire year I would pay £60 and during that year I would have always had the latest game to play and complete. That was the only money I spent all last year on new Xbox 360 games as £40 for a new release is a complete joke. I would wait for second hand prices to drop. Now with Steam sales I buy most of my PC games on discount as well and I plug my Xbox controller into the computer. I am not interested in a new wave of kinect games as I haven't even bought a kinect 1 for my 360. I guess I am not in the demographic of "buying the next gen console" anymore. Strange times.
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Duckula22 said:
I buy used PC games several years after they were released, and I get them very, very cheap, off of Ebay and/or Craigslist. You'll never catch me paying for a subscription, never will I shell out more than $10 for a game. I'm a cheap azz (darn bad words cop) gamer.
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Adamking said:
Back when I owned an XBOX 360 before I sold it on craigslist, I had about 40 games. Only about five were brand new. Out of all those used games, only one disc had an issue but it was still playable. Saved lots of money that way. If I were to somehow be on the verge of a new gaming console, it would have to support that. Going back to that region is highly unlikely though.
I love Steam and my PC. I don't see a reason to give a flip about all the other stuff.
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The developers are missing the point. People will no longer take a chance on an unknown title or developer because they can recoup the cost of the game if it sucks. If a review comes out on a game and it says the game is OK but not great, do you think people will want to pay $60 for that game? I know I wouldn't. That mean titles will take longer to produce because they would need a good review to sell it. (Duke Nukem anybody?)
I just see it hurting the the developers in the long run and consoles in general. I have several consoles and play PC games. I will use the path of least resistance.
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