The simple question is how people quantify price and value. I know a relative who bought her kid a tablet that cost more than a PS3 because "he can get all the games he wants for free on it". Games are games in this mentality and even if they are not nearly as good a one time purchase on something for years is easier to rationalize.
The main concern is if this does condition a generation to think games are worthless and spending $60 is unthinkable. If that carries into the 16-34 core demographic then I fear gaming is setting itself up for a early 80s scenario of bunch of cheap crappie games. Worse part is unlike then nothing to crash as hardly anyone buys these games anyway. Why buy Super Mario Bros. When I can get this free E.T. game?
To say the least the last few years have made my outlook far more pessimistic.
