Train2Game students may already be aware of the methods game developers are using to encourage consumers to buy new copies of their games, rather than second hand versions that are available at retail.
Some include bonus content when the game is bought new, others require a code to play online which comes with a brand new version of the game. Some even believe digital distribution is the way forward.
However, recent rumours suggest that the next generation Xbox console won’t play second hand games at all, and that’s welcomed by Volition Game Designer Jamson Durall.
“Personally I think this would be a fantastic change for our business and even though the consumers would be up in arms about it at first they will grow to understand why and that it won’t kill them,” he wrote on AltDevBlogADay.
“The used games market is significantly impacting the revenue we receive. I think what most consumers don’t realize is that every time they buy a used game, there is ZERO money making it back to the Game Developers. All of those profits are going directly to the re-seller and making it more and more difficult for us to continue making higher quality products.”
“People often don’t understand the cost that goes into creating these huge experiences that we put on the shelves for only $60. They also don’t seem to realize how much they are hurting us when they buy a used game and how pirating a copy is just plain stealing.” Durall continued, before adding that if something isn’t done to combat the sales of second hand games the games industry “is going to fall apart”.
Train2Game students can read Durall’s AltDevBlogADay post in full here.
His name may be familiar to Train2Game students, as he spoke to us in a massive interview about Red Faction: Armageddon last year. Durall also revealed some excellent advice about how to get into the games industry.
But what are your thoughts on his views on second hand games? Do you understand his concerns as future game developers? Or do you believe that the industry just needs to adapt to second hand sales?
Leave your comments here on The Train2Game Blog, or on the Train2Game forum.
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