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.
Hi Ryan M Scott,
ReplyDeleteI think the question you're bringing on the table with your post is really interesting. However it really feels like you are not giving any answer at all to that question.
- you do not talk about DRMs at all in your post even if it appears in the title of your post and in the descrption.
-"Why is the price so high for the console version vs. the PC version? That's something the game developers should answer for you." What is your answer to this question? I'm sorry but I did not understand the answer to this question. I was expecting more explanations and a clear answer, could you rephrase it pls. I think there are a lot of factors that must be taken into account in order to answer that specific question.
-Laqt but not least, a question to you : do you REALLY feel like the new price of console games is that high?
Thanks for answering to my questions and giving me more precisions about your post (if you ever do)
Rudy