Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
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
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.
