Next Box 720 To Block Use of Used Games
- Thread starter Dead Blue
- Start date
Why an Xbox With Anti-Used Game Tech Makes Perfect Sense
So, we've heard from a source that the next Xbox may feature some kind of anti-used games technology. When you first read that, your first instinct was probably to think it's either bullshit or the worst idea a video game company has ever had.
It is, I believe, neither.
In fact, if it ends up being correct, it makes total sense. Why? Over the past year we've seen developers, publishers and then even platform holders like Sony embrace the idea of the "online pass", a concept designed to either prevent game trade-ins or get more money out of those skipping new purchases.
It's a movement that, as time goes on, will only pick up steam. And now that nearly all major publishers are on-board with the idea in one form or another, the next logical step is to embed the practice in gaming hardware.
Remember, our source didn't tell us the machine would permanently and irrevocably bar the playing of second-hand games. Just that there'd be measures in place to prevent it. No company would lock a machine from ever letting you borrow a game, or ever trade one in. There'd be too much resistance from consumers for the former and from both consumers and retailers for the latter.
But restrictive measures implemented on the hardware side of things would eliminate the need for publishers and developers to come up with their own cumbersome and inconsistent "online pass" systems, such as we're stuck with today. It could suddenly be universal, part of the console itself, tied to user accounts or disc serials or something. If such measures were in place, every game could require an unlock code or online pass to be played if bought second-hand. Or even borrowed. Which would suck, but then, I'm not saying I like this idea. Just that this is where I see it headed.
It would satisfy publishers, who would be seeing massive incentives given for people to buy games new. It would also, I guess, satisfy pre-owned retailers like GameStop, who if able to sell "online passes" for these games would at least retain the option of trading old games in for new ones.
Know that, well, this is not what we know. All we know is what Stephen posted earlier, when he wrote there'd be "some sort of anti-used game system as part of [Microsoft's] so-called Xbox 720". This is just me taking current industry trends, this rumour and building outwards.
But I think it's entirely feasible. What do you think?
So, we've heard from a source that the next Xbox may feature some kind of anti-used games technology. When you first read that, your first instinct was probably to think it's either bullshit or the worst idea a video game company has ever had.
It is, I believe, neither.
In fact, if it ends up being correct, it makes total sense. Why? Over the past year we've seen developers, publishers and then even platform holders like Sony embrace the idea of the "online pass", a concept designed to either prevent game trade-ins or get more money out of those skipping new purchases.
It's a movement that, as time goes on, will only pick up steam. And now that nearly all major publishers are on-board with the idea in one form or another, the next logical step is to embed the practice in gaming hardware.
Remember, our source didn't tell us the machine would permanently and irrevocably bar the playing of second-hand games. Just that there'd be measures in place to prevent it. No company would lock a machine from ever letting you borrow a game, or ever trade one in. There'd be too much resistance from consumers for the former and from both consumers and retailers for the latter.
But restrictive measures implemented on the hardware side of things would eliminate the need for publishers and developers to come up with their own cumbersome and inconsistent "online pass" systems, such as we're stuck with today. It could suddenly be universal, part of the console itself, tied to user accounts or disc serials or something. If such measures were in place, every game could require an unlock code or online pass to be played if bought second-hand. Or even borrowed. Which would suck, but then, I'm not saying I like this idea. Just that this is where I see it headed.
It would satisfy publishers, who would be seeing massive incentives given for people to buy games new. It would also, I guess, satisfy pre-owned retailers like GameStop, who if able to sell "online passes" for these games would at least retain the option of trading old games in for new ones.
Know that, well, this is not what we know. All we know is what Stephen posted earlier, when he wrote there'd be "some sort of anti-used game system as part of [Microsoft's] so-called Xbox 720". This is just me taking current industry trends, this rumour and building outwards.
But I think it's entirely feasible. What do you think?
I think the main reason is development costs. Games already take millions of dollars and several years to make. Imagine that prices will only skyrocket for developers with even more advanced hardware. If they can't sell 500,000 copies of their game at 60$ a pop, I doubt many companies would be able to justify even putting games into production. We would have no new games.
what ever online pass would cost should be deducted from the price of the game.
i think that the consumers will have to stand ground and not buy shit if they do this. OCCUPY GAMESTOP
if 1st day sales were to drop just to protest this, company stocks would fall.buy the game the following day or sumshit.
i think that the consumers will have to stand ground and not buy shit if they do this. OCCUPY GAMESTOP
if 1st day sales were to drop just to protest this, company stocks would fall.buy the game the following day or sumshit.
The main problem is that we haven't had a innovation period in gaming for a while, companies don't have to spend an insane amount of money (in retrospect 5-10$ mil or under really isn't that bad) to put out marketable games. Instead they make the vital mistake of copying a product they see success in, which is usually these short, big budget, "blockbuster" experiences that has become absolutely redundant.
The gaming industry is eating well, realistically they could afford to drop the price to AT LEAST 50$ new (if not 40) and still surpass the quota.
The gaming industry is eating well, realistically they could afford to drop the price to AT LEAST 50$ new (if not 40) and still surpass the quota.
You must not have heard of the ID Tech 5 Engine. It's a huge innovation as it allows for developers to design each texture individually. This means there is no longer a need for repeat graphics and designs. (RAGE is an example of this with no repeat textures throughout the entire game and it looks absolutely amazing)
didnt call of duty MW3 make like fuckin 1 billion dollars in a week or less? and game developers are complaining about costs? what the fuck, that game is the same engine and virtually the exact same game as call of duty modern warfare 2, it obviously took them less than a year to do it.
greedy assholes.
greedy assholes.
Innovation isn't limited to graphics and technology. In fact, innovation has more to do with how you implement these things (or what you implemented) and how you present it to the market. The company that makes Bastion is comprised of seven, count it, SEVEN people. They were innovative in the way they used the narrator, their use of colors and blocks, etc. They have racked up big time and if you compare them to the company who made Rage, you'll see that although their game is offered for less, they've recouped their money and made a profit.
So it isn't about the tech, look at Minecraft, how much tech is really going on under the hood? It's about true innovation and changing the game not copying the AAA guys, wasting big budgets and relying on cookie cutter shit.
So it isn't about the tech, look at Minecraft, how much tech is really going on under the hood? It's about true innovation and changing the game not copying the AAA guys, wasting big budgets and relying on cookie cutter shit.
Let me say first, I'm not disagreeing with you. Count Slapula is just a flat headed tool that only plays the games the industry tells him should be his favorites (see CoD, GTA, etc) While the triple A market has fallen flat for innovation. The rest of the gaming industry is far from stale.
BTW Rage is made by Instinct-Driven Software (the company that made Wolfenstein, the first FPS) one of the most innovative in the industry. (see Doom 3 vs 1st generation of 360 shooters like prey that used modified versions of the Doom 3 engine) Rage combines Fallout, Twisted Medal, and Doom/Quake in a brilliant world. However things are not just limited to Rage, look at the F.E.A.R. series or Metro 2033. Packed with new ideas. (BTW if you've played F.E.A.R. I am just waiting for the day we get a full out FPS Mech game done exactly the way they did it, come on HAWKEN!) BTW I remember reading id software is only 15 people.
However I guess if the only games you played last year were Gears of War 3, Modern Warfare 3, and Saints Row 3, yea... things would seem like there is no innovation. (this is at douchebag slapula, not you heresy)
Also, Shmups & Fighters are my main genres, and I have to say just about every new game is innovative with new mechanics within those genres. (Waiting on Persona 4 fighter!)
BTW Rage is made by Instinct-Driven Software (the company that made Wolfenstein, the first FPS) one of the most innovative in the industry. (see Doom 3 vs 1st generation of 360 shooters like prey that used modified versions of the Doom 3 engine) Rage combines Fallout, Twisted Medal, and Doom/Quake in a brilliant world. However things are not just limited to Rage, look at the F.E.A.R. series or Metro 2033. Packed with new ideas. (BTW if you've played F.E.A.R. I am just waiting for the day we get a full out FPS Mech game done exactly the way they did it, come on HAWKEN!) BTW I remember reading id software is only 15 people.
However I guess if the only games you played last year were Gears of War 3, Modern Warfare 3, and Saints Row 3, yea... things would seem like there is no innovation. (this is at douchebag slapula, not you heresy)
Also, Shmups & Fighters are my main genres, and I have to say just about every new game is innovative with new mechanics within those genres. (Waiting on Persona 4 fighter!)
You like this? What about if you see a used game on craigslist for lower than what the greedy retailers sell it for, want to buy it, buy it and as soon as you insert the disc a screen pops up and it says "Sorry, but this game is used and can't be played on this system. Please eject the disk." You still like the sound of this?
