Video Games: Used Games, DRM and Price

I believe the real reason everyone wants used games to be allowed on the next generation of consoles, is that  new console games are simply much too expensive at $60 each.

I'll do a price comparison of one of the most ported games of recent years, Plants vs. Zombies just to see what is costs on the different available platforms.


PLATFORMS

PC - Through PopCap $19.95, Through Steam $9.99, Through Origin $10
Mac - Through PopCap $19.95, Through Steam $9.99
Android - Through Google Play Store $0.99
iPad - Through iTunes $0.99
iPhone/iPod touch - Through iTunes $0.99
Kindle Fire - Through Amazon $0.99
Windows Phone 7 - Through Windows Phone Store $4.99
Nintendo DS - Through GameStop $19.99 ($17.99 used)
PlayStation Network - Vita Download Through PSN $14.99
PlayStation 3 - Disc Copy Through Amazon $19.99 List ($16.36 at time of Blog)
Xbox 360 - Disc Copy Through Amazon $19.99 List ($18.72 at time of Blog)
Xbox LIVE - Through Xbox Live Marketplace $15 (1,200 Microsoft Points via Amazon)
Blackberry Playbook - Through Blackberry World $4.99
Nook - Through Barnes and Noble $4.99


So it looks like the most expensive copies are disc copies for consoles, and the PC/Mac version available directly from PopCap at $20.  Why is the price so high for the console version vs. the PC version?  That's something the game developers should answer for you.  In this next generation of game consoles, specifically the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, they are using the same X86 based architecture, so games being developed cross platform should be cheaper because it will eliminate highly complex platform specific coding.

This is why people want used games, the price of new console games is just too high!  As a point of reference I purchased my PC version of Plants vs. Zombies for $2.49 on a Steam Sale.  I got my Android version on a Humble Mobile Bundle sale, I paid $6 for 9 games, so I got if for $0.67 effectively.

In todays world where funds are limited, gamers are going to flock to the lower priced options, and having used games is a demand we make because the new price of console games is just too high.  It's the only way some people will be able to play a broad variety of games because very few people can afford to pay full price for games today at $60 each.

Pre Order PlayStation 4: Arriving November 15, 2013

Sony PlayStation 4 is coming November 15, 2013 and will cost $399 in the United States.  Ars Technica's Live Coverage

• PlayStation 4 redefines rich and immersive gameplay with powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalization, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features
• "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
• Background downloading and updating capability also allows you to immediately play digital titles as they download, or update the system when the hardware is powered off.
• PlayStation 4 lets you instantly share images and videos of your favorite gameplay moments on Facebook with a single press of the "share" button on the Dualshock 4 controller.
• Broadcast while you play in real-time through Ustream, allowing friends to comment or jump into your game in new ways.
• Games already announced for the PlayStation 4 include first party titles Killzone: Shadow Fall, inFamous Second Son, Driveclub and Knack as well as partner titles Destiny, Diablo III, Deep Down and Watch Dogs.

Official PS4 specifications:

Main Processor:

Single-chip custom processor

CPU: x86-64 AMD 'Jaguar' 8 cores

GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon™ based graphics engine

Memory:

GDDR5 8GB

Hard Disk Drive:

Built-in

Optical Drive (read only):

BD 6xCAV

DVD 8xCAV

I/O and communication:

Super-Speed USB (USB 3.0)

AUX

Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T)

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth® 2.1 (EDR)

AV output:

HDMI

Analog-AV out

Digital Output (optical)

Pre Orders are live as listed:

Amazon offer: Pre Order PlayStation 4 Console: $399.99 + Free Shipping



Best Buy offer: Pre Order PlayStation 4: $399.99 + Free Shipping



GameStop offer: Pre Order PlayStation 4: 11 Bundles Available ($459.98 - 1 Game, $519.97 - 1 Game + Extra Controller, $579.96 - EA Sports Bundle, 3 Games)



Walmart offer: Pre Order PlayStation 4: $399.99 + Free Shipping to Home



Sony Store offer: Pre Order PlayStation 4: $399.99 + Free 2-day shipping on orders over $50 (excluding TVs over 46").

Pre Order Xbox One: Arriving November 22, 2013





Xbox One is coming November 22, 2013, it's going to be $499 in the US, 499 Euros in Europe, and 429 Pounds in the UK. Ars Technica's Live Coverage

• Kinect is included with every Xbox One. Completely reengineered to be more precise, responsive and intuitive with unparalleled voice, vision and motion technology
• The console is driven by a powerful combination of CPU, GPU and 8GB of RAM, governed by an innovative OS architecture, to deliver power, speed and agility
• Only Xbox One unleashes the vast and scalable power of the cloud for your games, entertainment and apps with Xbox Live
• With Xbox One, you can quickly jump from TV to movies to music to a game

8 Cores

An 8-core x86 processor lets you instantly switch between a game and your entertainment apps with ease.

HDMI Pass-Thru

Connect your cable or satellite box to your Xbox One and prepare for lift off. HDMI pass-thru enables you to watch TV through your Xbox, which makes switching inputs seem almost pre-historic.1

Loaded with memory

8GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive give you plenty of memory for your games, demos, movies, apps, music, and more.2

Blu-ray

Watch movies and play games in stunning HD with a Blu-ray player.

Pre Orders are Live as Listed:

Amazon offer: Pre Order Xbox One Console: $499.96 + Free Shipping



Best Buy offer: Pre Order Xbox One Console: $499.99 + Free Shipping



GameStop offer: Pre Order Xbox One Console: 10 Bundles Available: $559.98 + 1 Game, $679.99 - EA Sports Bundle-3 EA Sports Games



Walmart offer: Pre Order Xbox One Console: Day One Edition - $499.96 + Free Shipping to Home, Day One Edition Bundle, Includes 12 months Xbox Live Gold and Game - $617.96 + Free Shipping to Home



Microsoft Store offer: Pre Order Xbox One Console: $499.99 + Free Shipping Option