Real reason why used games are hurting the gaming industry...

[wick]

Machiavellian said:

badgenome said:

disolitude said:

I see a lot of back and forth, but I never feel like people list the actual reason that used game sales in the current form is killing the industry (Gamestop 100% profit - publishers 0%).

Completely false. Used game trade-ins subsidize the purchases of new games, and consumers are both able to buy more new games because of this and are more willing to do so because they have trade-in value so they aren't risking all $60 if they don't like the game.

Stupidity is hurting the gaming industry, and if this or any other industry needs to destroy property rights in order to survive, then it can die.

You have absolutly no proof that used games sells subsidize new game purchase. That is just as much an opinion as the OP. If you just sold your used game and right there was a used game and a new game why would that person purchase the new when he can save some coin and purchase the used. Gamestop gives you nothing for purchasing new but they have all kinds of incentives for you to purchase used.  I should know because there have been many times I would go into gamestop to get a new game but be offered the used.  They would say, "with the used game you get 14 day return", You get powerup rewards and in store credit etc.

Maybe in the past, used game sells used to subsidize new game purchase but the market and the retailers have changed.  The retailers have built a business on used over new compared to how it use to be in the past and it has hurt the industry.

Here's proof.

Me!

I do this all the time. I also take more risks on full price, day1 games because I know if it's crap I can just pop it on ebay and recover a good chunk of money.

I wouldn't have bought half the games I did this gen without the ability to sell them after I was finished with them.

Why do you thing Aliens: Colonial Marines sold so many copies?

I knew that game was a risk but I bought it knowing the risk was low due to my ability to recoup my money.

The second hand market seems to survive in every other industry out there. What makes gaming so different?