Rumoured changes could kill used video game market
Posted February 8, 2013 8:26 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The arrival of the next generation of video game consoles could spell the end of the used game market, as Microsoft and Sony are rumoured to be changing the way titles are sold.
Microsoft, through its X-Box platform, is reportedly looking at tying the purchase of physical discs to the buyer, requiring them to maintain a persistent Internet connection to verify their identity.
There is word Sony will do the same thing with its next generation PlayStation.
One expert says that would be a big mistake. “I really think that people are going to be very, very angry if they buy these $60 game discs and they’re not able to pass them on,” explains Victor Lucas, creator, executive producer and co-host of the Electric Playground and Reviews on the Run.
“You can sell used blu-rays, you can sell used CDs, you can sell used books, and you can sell used comic books. The collection of these artifacts and these pieces of media is something to celebrate.” Lucas feels the real problem is how high prices are turning many away from games as a form of entertainment.
