Sunday, January 6, 2013

Ditching Used Games: 3 Reasons to Not Worry About a Future Without Used Games

With rumors circulating about Sony’s new patent that could potentially stop users from playing used games there has been much outcry from companies but also consumers as well. Whether you purchase used games or prefer to buy new, an idea such as this has the potential to change the entire gaming scene as we know it.

As someone that has purchased used games before and that has seen the gaming scene change quite a bit, my concern for not being able to play used games anymore isn’t quite worrisome. It really does appear as though we are seeing the end of the used games era but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing and here are three reasons why:

We’re Going Digital
The gaming scene has changed dramatically over the last couple of years and no change has been as dramatic as the change from physical to digital. Digital stores such as Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Store have changed the way in which we purchase games. No longer are our hands tied if we ever feel like purchasing a game from the comfort of our own home. If you’re ever in the mood for purchasing a new gaming title you can simply load up your console system, visit the online store, and browse through thousands of titles in a matter of minutes. Used games on the other hand mainly require you to visit a gaming retailer and purchase through them adding an extra step in the process. Online retailers also offer the chance to purchase used games from your home as well but the entire delivery process and the wait sometimes proves as an unnecessary step as well. Just the same as you can get great deals on used games you can get great deals from their digital counterparts. When buying digital as opposed to buying used appears more convenient, the used gaming market won’t be missed as much.

Quality Is Important
I’ve been lucky enough to have purchased used games before that have been in great condition. Just the same, I’ve also been unlucky and I have purchased used games that have been in bad shape. As someone that values his game collection I make the effort to make my games remain in the best condition as long as possible. This would mean taking good care of the gaming box, booklet, and disc. Unfortunately for me not everyone feels the same way and this is evident in the purchase of used games. When purchasing used sometimes the quality of the items in your purchase just aren’t that great. Sure the game disc might be scratch free but what if the game box is ripped? What if the game box and booklet are in outstanding condition but the game disc is littered with fingerprint marks? Every time that a used game purchase is made the buyer runs the risk of the product not being in the condition that is desired. This problem has plagued used games for an eternity and again it’s an extra step that isn’t a required when buying new. If used games are no longer available to purchase there should be no reason to worry about the quality of your purchase anymore.

Game Companies Will Be More Aware of Your Support
One of the main arguments for not purchasing used games is that it steals money from the companies that work incredibly hard on the games they produce. When purchasing a used game you are paying the previous owner rather than the company that produced the game. In the case of gaming retailers, when purchasing a used game you are paying the retailer instead of the gaming company as well. Producing a quality game takes time and effort and if we as consumers still want to continue receiving quality titles the new game purchases allow game companies to know that they did an outstanding job. When buying new you are supporting teams that dedicate themselves in providing great visuals, story-lines, and gameplay all while making your voice heard by letting these companies know that you support their efforts. When buying used your voice is limited but when buying new your voice is heard. In a no used games scenario your voice will now definitely be heard.

As I have stated before it really does appear as though the used games era is coming to an end. Whether that era ends in the next-generation of consoles remains to be seen. The good news is that if used games do come to an end the gaming scene will still be fine if not better than before.


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