Used Video Game Sales And You
It seems that a lot of consumers aren’t happy about developers trying to crack down on used game sales. As I mentioned earlier about developers using one time codes to create extra “incentive” for buying new, it seems that Techdirt has some more info as well. As Techdirt points out that because of the backlash from consumers, Epic is going to offer vouchers for in game items.
On one hand, I think it is a better route than trying to get laws passed to crack down on used video game sales, it really doesn’t help either. All Epic will be doing is trying to sell infinite goods, not scarce goods. I agree with Techdirt that this route will just diminish the actual value of any game, because many people ( myself included) often realize that I can turn around and sell a used video game to a friend for close to what I paid. So I get to recoup some of my limited means, and my friend gets a deal as well. Techdirt also makes this comment, and I couldn’t put it any better:
Second, when the focus is on charging for infinite goods (or only promising them to those who buy first hand copies), the incentives get risky. Suddenly, gaming companies are put in a position of choosing what “virtual” items are allowed in the game for first hand buyers vs. second hand buyers, and that leads them to make bad decisions in locking up important aspects of a game, frustrating potential buyers.
So they should focus on the services that they offer for the game ( which will better suit them in the long run anyways) as opposed to try and lock out used video game sales. Either way, their game does get out there, but if they try to lock out those used video game sales, they just end up frightening potential buyers away.
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Time November 13, 2008 at 8:35 am
[...] I have touched on this topic before (about game developers griping about not getting a cut of used game sales). Now it comes from Epic’s Mike Capps where he says that you should PAY for that game ending! [...]