As developers continue ever more stringent methods of downloadable content distribution for video games and ‘season pass’ access codes, rumours swirl that the next Xbox could block used games.
Last month, a report claimed that the next Xbox iteration (dubbed the ‘Xbox 360’ by many gamers) may actively block used games from being played, as studios are tired of making zero profit from the lucrative retailer used game market.
Though such a move would be vigorously opposed by gamers, if it is built into the hardware and similarly, also to all rival future consoles, there isn’t much players could do – at least without destroying their warranty and modding their console.
Today Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Kart, shared his thoughts with ComputerAndVideoGames.com on the possible move, writing:
‘I don’t think we should prevent people from playing used games. I understand why they would want to do it, but I think the approach should be different.
‘As long as games are distributed on physical medium as physical goods, players should have the right to buy and sell them. $60 is a lot to pay for a game and if a player buys a dud and is stuck with it, then that’s just not fair to force him to keep it.
‘If people buy [Saber’s upcoming title] Inversion and it’s not for them, then why should they be forced to turn it into a drink coaster?’
Matthew has a intriguing idea, however, in that developers could instead package their games in both single player and multiplayer components.
“With Inversion (or games like Battlefield or Gears), for example, you could break that experience into two components – single-player and multiplayer – and sell them for $15 each or sell them combined for $30. If someone spends $15, then the trade-in value would be minimal anyway even if it were permissible.
“I think thats the way to go – lower the costs for the same access by bringing them to market digitally. Then a no-used solution is fair.”
How do you feel? Do you think that buying used games for slightly cheaper than retail price is unfair to the developer or will you fight tooth and nail against any new measures introduced? Let us know in the comments section below.
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