Today is the day future video game historians will mark as the apex of the battle over used game sales. It will take more than your online passes and one-use DLC codes to intimidate Gamestop. Publishers, you like single-use codes packed in with new copies of games? Gamestop’s got your single-use codes right here. If by here you mean the inside of every used copy of the game.
Yes, Gamestop is apparently offering the same bonus Catwoman content, which should theoretically be the sole domain of mint copies, with “pre-used” copies of Batman Arkham City, essentially making the whole code thing an exercise in futility. Questions such as where did Gamestop get the codes abound. Rest assured though, it’s not like Gamestop would take them from new copies in order to boost higher-margin used game sales. Then maybe sell those games as used copies as well when the codes run out? Although to be fair, their new approach of putting codes in used games certainly beats their old one of taking codes from new games.
The Battle Over Used Game Sales
The battle over used game sales has been a contentious issue for years. Publishers argue that they lose significant revenue when games are resold, as they do not receive any profit from these transactions. To combat this, many publishers have implemented measures such as online passes and single-use DLC codes that are only available with new copies of games. These codes often unlock additional content or features, incentivizing players to purchase new rather than used copies.
However, Gamestop, one of the largest video game retailers, has found ways to navigate these restrictions. By including these codes in used copies of games, they effectively nullify the publishers’ attempts to control the resale market. This move has sparked a significant debate within the gaming community and industry.
Gamestop’s Strategy and Its Implications
Gamestop’s strategy of including bonus content codes in used games raises several important questions and implications. Firstly, where does Gamestop obtain these codes? It is unlikely that they are simply taking them from new copies, as this would be both unethical and potentially illegal. Instead, it is possible that they have reached some form of agreement with the publishers, although this seems unlikely given the publishers’ stance on used game sales.
Another possibility is that Gamestop is purchasing these codes separately and including them with used games as a way to add value and attract customers. This approach would allow them to continue profiting from the used game market while also providing players with the additional content they desire.
The implications of this strategy are significant. For one, it challenges the effectiveness of publishers’ attempts to control the resale market. If players can obtain the same content with used games, there is less incentive to purchase new copies. This could potentially lead to a decrease in new game sales, impacting the revenue of publishers and developers.
On the other hand, this approach could also benefit consumers. By providing additional content with used games, Gamestop is offering more value to their customers. This could make gaming more accessible and affordable for players who may not be able to purchase new games at full price.
The battle over used game sales is far from over. Gamestop’s strategy of including bonus content codes in used games represents a significant development in this ongoing conflict. While it raises important questions and challenges the effectiveness of publishers’ measures, it also offers potential benefits for consumers. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this issue develops and what new strategies and solutions emerge.
Source Kotaku
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