| Bodhesatva said: Sounds appropriate to me. Sony is killing themselves with this free online service (just in case people thought I was just being the Wii defense force, I've consistently defended XBL). Here's the simplest way to put it: look at the profit margins on the Xbox and Playstation brands over the last 2-3 years; they are, collectively, billions upon billions of dollars in the hole. Without doing the math fully, they're likely 4-5 billion dollars in the red combined. In short: you may think we're paying too much for video games, but it's quite clear that we aren't paying enough. This isn't sustainable. Microsoft and Sony in particular absolutely must find new ways to bring in more money, because the current model isn't enough. While I don't think Nintendo needs to have a subscription online service, I think it's smart to do so for long term growth.
Now, here's a prediction I think most of you will like better: I predict this move was made specifically to accomodate an Animal Crossing MMO. |
Heh, if that's the case, then they need to find a way to make games cheaper to make, because more expansive prices are only going to reduce the number of people willing to buy games. Games like COD4 and Halo 3, though both you need to pay to play online (for the 360) and have sold well, I don't think there's enough people willing to pay to play online to make this a viable option for more revenue. And since these games are dependent on their online features, someone like me (who would never pay to play online) would just skip over them, and I'm sure many will do the same.
I don't know if the fee's for online services would cover the reduced income from the number of people who wont buy the game because of the fee, but. I guess my point is they shouldn't be finding more ways to squeeze money out the consumers, because I doubt many consumers are willing (and able) to pay for these things. And demand is all about what consumers are willing and able to pay for something. Just because my roommate wants a PS3 doesn't mean he'll get one, because though he is willing to pay for it, he is unable to (as I would be). Games are almost getting to that point for me too. I'm almost not willing or able to buy games at their current prices. Online fees? No.
I agree with your last sentence though.
