Switch Lights

The lights are on

What's Happening

GameStop: Next-Gen Consoles 'Unlikely' To Block Used Games

Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, retailer GameStop believes next-generation consoles won't lock out used games. In January, a report surfaced that said the next Xbox console may put a lock on used games. GameStop CEO Paul Raines doesn't think that is the case.

“We think it’s unlikely that there would be that next-gen console because the model simply hasn’t been proven to work," he said today on the company's earnings call. "Remember that used video games have a residual value. Remember that GameStop generates $1.2 billion of trade credits around the world with our used games model.

"So, consider taking used games out of that, you'd have to find new ways to sell the games, and our partners at the console companies have great relationships with us."

Raines concluded saying, "The pre-owned business is not a cannibalistic business. If you follow the popular conventional wisdom you would think that pre-owned is replacing new. The truth is, pre-owned is an opening price-point category.  It's a category for the customer who's maybe not ready to invest in a new game, but wants to get into the console business.

"What we've done is created a way for that new leading edge consumer to dispose of their old games and that's what creates this great circle of life we talk about that so many try to imitate."

Disclaimer: Game Informer is owned by GameStop

Comments
  • I've always wanted to be fi-banned? Because you will be if you do this again.

    -Mod
  • Don't buy it... Developers and publishers have been complaining about used games forever. Since this is coming from Gamestop's CEo, it's not surprising that he supports the sales for used games. I am more interested in seeing a statement from Microsoft and/or Sony on this matter. Plus, where's the disclaimer in this article saying GI is owned by GameStop?
  • So Gamestop, the company that is primarily supported by its used-game market is actually invested in making sure the next-gen plays used games? Shocking. Snarkiness aside, let's hope they really DO allow for legacy play. That would be a serious let-down (and poor business model imo) if they decided against it.
  • If I remember correctly didn't people say the same thing about the PS3 blocking used games before it released? I can't see a reason why the console dev would block used games, it doesn't hurt their sales as far as I know.
  • I know Microsoft isn't dumb enough to make a move like that, but can't they just find someway to give developers a profit from resells?
  • Wow, I didn't even know that was a rumor, but that would suck, so bad.

  • He's right and it would be incredibly stupid if any of the Top 3 tryed to pull that off.
  • why are there so many crazy rumers about the new Xbox that aren't true? and there hasen't been any rumors for the WII U and PS3.
  • Could they get away with that? Gamestop and others have enough problems with the online passes and digital downloads. Look at all they people they employ!!! All the jobs that are threatened by these things is sad.
  • GI being owned by Game Stop and Game Stop having said the statements above may make this a bit biased.
  • Well I think we knew that this was a given. The industry would fall apart without the used gaming market and it simply doesn't make sense to implement a block like that.

    Do you want to buy my used car? No thanks, Honda put in an activation code so the brakes won't work if it's used.

  • The next gen consoles better not block out used games or I won't buy them. Almost all the games I get are used. I buy my consoles new for the most part.

  • If I was a game publisher and people were selling my "used" product for 95% of the retail price, I would be upset too.
  • *Prepares for dozens of flawed used-car analogies*

    Edit: He says this, WHILE Sony has currently locked out trophy support for used Vita games, and online passes show no signs of going away. Publishers and console makers clearly don't feel the same way he does about the used game industry, and I don't blame them.
  • Used games have become a huge part in today's video game industry. People buy games, beat them, and trade them in for credit. And honestly I'd rather buy a game that is cheap especially if I won't play it after I beat it.
  • "It's a category for the customer who's maybe not ready to invest in a new game, but wants to get into the console business."

    A 5 dollar difference does that? To me that's stupid insight and a BS statement just to sound good. By buying a game, you're investing in it and obviously you're ready if you're making the purchase.
  • Except it has been proven to work, just look at Apple's app store, no used sales there. Get rid of used sales and lower the price of games a bit and I see no reason why it can't work.
  • I love my 360, but I hate Microsoft.
  • Hahaha for internet rumors, all the internet dweebs up in arms for this or against it. Hey here's an idea, lets wait for MICROSOFT to make an OFFICIAL announcement. Bottom line is used market is very big and ALOT of people take advantage of it, retailers, consumers, ETC. and it would mean ALOT of people would not buy this "new" XBOX if this RUMOR were true. Your move MS...
  • Ugh...
1 2 3 4 5 Next ... Last