The issue, as I see it, is that most people are cheap bastards – including myself. At least, they’ll almost always go with the cheapest option. Of course, until you start talking about value for your money.
I won’t get into a discussion about the end of disc based games in favor of an all downloadable platform right now. Even though it will eventually happen, some experts say consumers won’t part with their hard copies for at least the next 10 years.
So, with a decade of Used Trading to look forward to, the Gaming Industry needs to come up with some solutions. Stick with me, I’ll get back to how all this would affect used game trading in a bit…
The average new game for Current-Gen Consoles is $60. That is outrageous. It’s no wonder there is a site like cheapassgamer.com and the pre-owned game trade is such a big part of the industry. At $60 a pop, every nickel counts (let’s be honest, nobody cares about pennies). On top of this, games are now expected to make available extra DLC, or downloadable content, at an extra cost of course. These DLC packs can be up to $15, and sometimes even more!
That means to get the “full” experience of a game you’re paying about $75 (not including tax). Don’t get me wrong, I understand that a lot of these games have massive budgets to recoup. Also, if you compare the amount of hours of entertainment you get compared to going to see a movie, it adds up favorably (as long as the play time of the game is 12+ hours). On top of this let’s not forget that the designers, coders and even publishers (yecht) all have to eat and did in fact put a lot of work into the game.
But, just like any other creative entertainment, if your product is good, a lot of people will buy it, even if it’s $60. For the most part, however, the majority of games are not worth their expensive price tag.
For instance, any sports game is instantly worthless after the season is over (unless you happen to be in the .01% of gamers who enjoy updating rosters – FREAKS). Every year you have to pay $60 for a few new gimmicks, but really just the most current roster and teams. I buy a game for a specific sport every 3-4 years because I don’t see the value in it.
Now imagine if, instead of releasing basically the same game year after year due to the 1 year development cycle of sports games, these Game Makers were allowed 3 years in between each game. How would this happen when there is a sports season each and every year, you ask?
Year one, the original game would be released for $40. The major part of the development team would work on the “New Game” while a small team worked on DLC. Year 2, DLC including major roster updates and minor additions for $20 would be released. Year 3 the same thing. Year 4, a brand spanking new game is released for another $40.
So, instead of buying a sports game one season for $60 and holding onto it forever (I don’t see MAJOR differences in NHL 09 and 10 and so there’s no reason why I’d by 10), gamers are offered a fair and enticing deal to update every year. In the end they would spend $80 over these 3 years, instead of just $60. On top of this, there are some HUGE additions in the “New Game”, so people can see the value in paying $40 for it again. Also, since the original game is cheaper, they might also be more likely to purchase any additional DLC that becomes available (besides the major yearly update). I would, and like I said, I’m a cheap bastard.
Now the original game is cheaper and I know I’m holding onto this bad boy for at least 3 years. The difference in price of buying the used version is now made up for in the value I’m getting for getting the new version. Okay, okay, that’s a week argument since the used version would still be $3-$4 cheaper (nickels people!). But, more people would likely hold onto their copies since they’ll be able to play it again the next season for a decent price. Besides, the next year there can’t be any used copies because it’s all DLC. But this isn’t cheap or cheating the consumer in any way because it’s all fairly priced. Not to mention an easy transition for people into the era of a Download only platform.
PROBLEM: SOLVED.
I know it’s a lot more complicated than I made it look here. However, the Gaming Industry is crying foul against the used game trade, and crying loud and hard. Like a little sissy. A sissy who’s older brother won’t give him his ball back. I just want the ball back! GIVE IT TO ME!!!
Seriously though, if they want to really make an effort in combating Pre-Owned Game sales, they need to start by rethinking the one thing that makes trading used games so valuable; price.
