Kasz216 on 26 February 2010
| greenmedic88 said: Actually, I can see where the argument that used game sales spurs new game sales comes from, but it's still based on the assumption that if someone can't turn around and sell something they bought, then they won't buy it at all. One could say such an attitude within the PC gaming market would lead to straight piracy, skipping buying used (or new) altogether where there is virtually no market for used games due to DRM, rapid falling of MSRP prices, special deals, etc. and yet new games still sell for PC, even if they don't match console sales most of the time. I would say that most PC gamers consider game purchases "throw away" purchases (or just parts of a game library) from the standpoint that they aren't under the impression they'll be able to sell the game when they're done. We've seen this done before on with consoles on a very limited basis as well: Gears 2 came with a voucher code for more map packs. No voucher with used copies; no extras. Personally, I think some of the incentives (like in game items or extra content) publishers distribute to retailers for buying new games upon release are a better carrot, but a big part of their appeal comes in being limited only to debut release. |
The fact that the PC market sales don't match console level sales despite everything you just mentioned I think says something to the advantages of used game sales personally.
That's a big difference between a lot of console gamers and PC gamers... it's not a "throw away" purchase. If I like it... I can keep it... If I don't I can get money for it...
AND with that money buy MORE games, maybe even putting the money towards more NEW games.
