Can we be frank? Used games are in jeopardy, especially when it comes to next-generation console talk. We’ve already been fed with an abundance of rumors regarding a system the Playstation 4 will use to “block” used games, and today we’re hearing of a similar device in the Xbox 720.
According to an anonymous source who spoke with Kotaku, the next-gen Xbox will have a feature that acts as “used games enforcer.” The source didn’t clarify what that means, but for the used games market, it’s not good either way. Online passes have been becoming a “norm” in our industry, making used games purchases almost irrelevant anymore, aside from those old nostalgia titles of course.
In response to the rumor, a Microsoft representative touched on the issue, though in reality he or she basically danced around the entire used games enforcer issue.
"As an innovator we're always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that we don't comment on rumors or speculation."
While these devices, if they are found to be real, sound harmless, outing used game sales could drastically hurt retailers. For instance, GameStop makes a fortune off used games; heck, I take back 5-10 at a time most instances. If you cut that aspect of sales completely off, the consequences could be horrid for investors.
Now we turn to you, the readers, for the age old question: What’s your position on used games? For? Against? Indifferent? Let us know by commenting below.
Source: [Kotaku]
