OXMUK
It was recently rumoured that Microsoft's next Xbox console would feature some kind of anti-used-games system, possibly involving online registration. Cue internet-wide outcry and some mixed responses from developers.
One of Volition's staffers has welcomed the idea, arguing that companies lose revenue to pre-owned sales, but Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch isn't convinced.
"I don't think we should prevent people from playing used games," Karch told CVG today. "I understand why they would want to do it, but I think the approach should be different.
"As long as games are distributed on physical medium as physical goods, players should have the right to buy and sell them."
Countering annoyingly persistent claims that every pre-owned game traded counts as a lost sale, Karch pointed out that new game purchases might actually suffer if players are denied the opportunity to recoup their investments.
"$60 is a lot to pay for a game and if a player buys a dud and is stuck with it, then that's just not fair to force him to keep it. If people buy Inversion and it's not for them, then why should they be forced to turn it into a drink coaster?"
He argued for lowering game prices instead to disincentivise trade-ins. This could be achieved by focusing on digital titles, which lack the distribution costs of physical products. "I really believe that with digital distribution you can get that same full-length experience for $30."
Publishers could release single and multiplayer modes as separate products, Karch suggested, to give users more purchasing options. For more, check out the CVG piece in full.
http://www.oxm.co.uk/38702/halo-dev-dont-block-used-games-with-xbox-720-lower-prices-instead/
