Egann on 01 July 2013
The XBox One's obscene DRM plans and subseqent retraction got me thinking about what kind of services I actually want console makers to offer. This is what I came up with.
I propose that the big three console manufacturers should combat the "used game" problem NOT by blocking functionality out of their consoles, but by adding a digital rental service on top of whatever subscription they offer. In this way, you can measure the success of your policies and their market competitiveness by the reduction in the use of used games. Below is my rough outline.
- The service costs between $10 and $20 a month, and includes whatever online subscription service the console maker offers (like XBox Live gold or PS+). Say $20 for easy math.
- Games are rented out in week increments. You rent a game for a whole week, and unless you buy it you don't get to rent out another one until the week ends. You can queue up what title you want next or to renew the title you have for another week at any time, however.
- New games are not put on the rental service until the business quarter after they launch to not interfere with new copy sales.
- Developers are paid for rentals they "sell" minus a cut to cover bandwidth, servers, and a modest profit of the console companies. I roughly estimate an 80-20 split in favor of developers, so assuming a $20/month service, this roughly translates to $4 of revenue to the developer per week rented.
- Gamers who renew the same title several times can buy the digital game at a discount rather than full MSRP.
- Game downloads happen as a maintenence function when your console is otherwise inactive.
- Should you be unable to renew or connect to the rental service for a week, your rental game expires and you are refunded your subscription cost in e-shop credits.
- Developers can opt out of the rental system, but otherwise all titles are available via rental.
Obviously this plan isn't for everybody. I know my internet connection would choke at a game every week and I know $20 a month is kinda steep when you will still want to buy games. Regardless, I think this would be best for the industry and it's where things are heading. It sure beats the pants off the XBone's original DRM plans, anyway, because if I don't want to I don't have to be part of the system.
Discuss/ blow gaping holes in this.
