Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
THQ Trying To Hate The Sin & Not The Sinner With Used Games
THQ is one of a growing number of companies – like EA (and possibly Sony) – that is offering free online passes for those gamers who buy the new versions of their games. These codes, however, aren't redeemable if you buy the game used. Recently, WWE creative director Cory Ledesma stated in no uncertain terms what he thinks about those who buy his or any other THQ games used.
"I don't think we really care whether used game buyers are upset, because new game buyers get everything; we hope people understand that when the game's bought used we get cheated," Ledesma told CVG
To Ledesma and THQ core games boss Danny Bilson (talking to Eurogamer) it's simply a matter economics. If in its estimation, THQ loses money because people don't buy a new copy of the game, that's money that can't go towards funding THQ's titles. "If all of that revenue is going outside of the people who are making the games, it's really tough for us to fund them. It's that simple."
Still, Bilson doesn't think the situation has to get adversarial. For used gamers who don't get the free online pass with the new purchase of a game like the upcoming Homefront (above), he says THQ will offer some DLC with the required $10 needed to play that used game online. "For instance, on our next WWE title," he states, " if you buy it used and there's a $10 fee to unlock all the online, it also unlocks the first DLC pack. So the used consumer feels they're getting something for their money, not just a 'getting out of jail' card."
"It's a serious issue for us, because I want to make thirty, forty, fifty million dollar games that are awesome, but if I'm not making the money on them, I can't. It's simple and difficult. But at the same time, we don't want to punish our consumers, either."
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
