If your city is anything like mine, old-fashioned movie rental stores may be very few. All of the major chains have gone out of business in my area, leaving only a handful of Redbox kiosks to serve those wanting to rent a flick. The bad part is that if I want to rent a game, I don’t have any options in town.
That video game problem will change this summer. Redbox has been talking about game rentals for a long time now, and the company has finally announced that it will start rentals of video games on June 17. The company says that the game rentals will come to about 21,000 kiosks around the country.
Expanding Game Rental Options
The games in the Redbox machines will be for the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360. Each night of rental will set you back $2. That sounds cheap until you realize that you could get five days from some of the old chains for less than that amount. The upside is if you rent a game that really sucks; you can return it the next day and only be out $2.
This move by Redbox is significant because it fills a gap left by the closure of traditional rental stores. For many gamers, the convenience of being able to rent a game from a nearby kiosk is a game-changer. No longer will they have to wait for a game to be shipped from an online rental service or pay the high prices associated with buying new games. This is especially beneficial for casual gamers who may not want to invest in purchasing a game they might only play once or twice.
Convenience and Accessibility
Redbox’s decision to include video games in their rental kiosks also speaks to the growing trend of on-demand services. Just as streaming services have revolutionized how we watch movies and TV shows, on-demand game rentals could change how we play video games. The convenience of being able to pick up a game at any time, without the need for a subscription or long-term commitment, is a major selling point.
Moreover, Redbox’s extensive network of kiosks means that these game rentals will be accessible to a large number of people. With 21,000 kiosks around the country, most people will have a Redbox location within a short drive. This widespread availability makes it easy for gamers to try out new titles without having to go out of their way.
Another advantage is the ability to try before you buy. Many gamers have experienced the frustration of purchasing a highly-anticipated game only to find that it doesn’t live up to expectations. With Redbox, you can rent the game for a night or two to see if it’s worth the investment. If you like it, you can then decide to purchase it. If not, you’re only out a couple of dollars.
Additionally, Redbox’s entry into the game rental market could spur competition, potentially leading to better prices and more options for consumers. Other companies may follow suit, offering similar services or improving their existing ones to keep up with Redbox.
In conclusion, Redbox’s move to include video game rentals in their kiosks is a welcome development for gamers. It offers a convenient, accessible, and cost-effective way to try out new games without the commitment of purchasing them. As the landscape of media consumption continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how services like Redbox adapt to meet the changing needs of consumers.
Via Joystiq
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