This may not be the best possible solution to used games, but it would help. I don't know if this is possible without an internet connection, but if it's not required, then it can help. Each game has a unique code. When you put it in the console, the code goes into a server, (whatever you would call it) and is stored there. When you trade it in to Gamestop, they can retrieve the code from that server, and it will treat the game as a new copy. So when you go and buy the used game from Gamestop, they would get like 70%-80%, and the publisher would get the rest. But with this being said, you can still lend your games out without any restrictions. But once Gamestop retrieves the code, publishers can make money off of it without taking a way your rights.

And I think Microsoft was trying to do somehting similar to what I just said, but I'm not sure.

So could this somewhat be a solution to used games?

Moderated,

-Mr Khan

more proof that people just don't understand what Xbox One is like

I really don't see why the gaming industry should be an exception when it comes to their used products. We already had 7 generations of used games existing and the industry is still here.

Microsoft has been proving that ever since they revealed the thing.

 Ok, but when you factor in the having to be online every 24 hours, and all these confusing restrictions, it doesn't really help Microsoft. What I'm saying is that you can lend your game to anyone. You're not restricted to anything.

The reason is becuase games are becoming more expensive to make. And they may very well increase this upcoming gen. 

Then it's their own fault. We don't adapt to the industry's needs, they adapt to ours.

There is only one way to deal with used games in a way that does not alienate the consumer. Microsoft's first big mistake was to attempt to rush something that was going to take place eventually, anyway. Digital distribution is going to take over one day but you can't force people into it by turning their physical discs into nothing more than carrier pigeons.

Microsoft's second big mistake was to do this without giving value in return. Of course people just assume they're being bent over the counter.

You want to greatly reduce used games? Cut prices on games purchased online. Sell Day One at $50 and you've just sliced into the used market. Want to cut into it more? Announce a program where you can "trade-in" a game for online store credit. With that one-two punch, used games would be reduced by a significant margin.

The problem isn't that console manufacturers can't do this, it's that they have to keep retailers happy. Thus Microsoft's convoluted trade-in system that keeps GameStop happy while totally annihilating the little guy.

Personally, I think Microsoft's system is less about getting money back to developers than it is about maximizing profit for GameStop, the publishers, and themselves. They get to control the ENTIRE used game market. Trading websites like I use will be out of the picture. People selling their own games on Amazon or eBay will instead be at the mercy of Microsoft's "partners". All of them stand to make more money than ever. It's not about protecting anyone, it's about money.

And you know what else? I'd bet anything that publishers like Activision or EA funnel pennies on the dollar back to the game developers.