GameStop: next Xbox sales will suffer if used games are blocked

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According to GameStop, they believe that any console which blocks the use of used games in any way would definitely be a bad marketing choice for the console in question. In this case, the console in question is the Next-gen Xbox which still hasn't been announced yet.

GameStop spokesman Matt Hodges told sources:
"We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability or not play new physical games."

He also stated that GameStop came to this conclusion based on surveys of their most active customers, the 21 million US members of their PowerUp Rewards loyalty program.

GameStop generated 27 percent of their revenue and around 46 percent of profit from used games during the business year which ended in January 2012. And a report by sources about the used games possibly being 'killed-off' caused GameStop's share prices to drop by 6.8 percent, which is their biggest fall in a month.

Although the used game blocking story was a rumor, if Microsoft does make that move, many consumers who play consoles and would rather spend their money on used games like most people, have said they will be switching consoles.

Microsoft has responded to these rumors by saying "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don't have anything further to share at this time."



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"GameStop: next Xbox sales will suffer if used games are blocked" :: Login/Create an Account :: 137 comments

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VoyboyPosted:

I never buy used games anymore...I've only bought 3 and they were all scratched like crazy

I hope they do prohibit playing used games because Gamestop is a pointless, harassing store anyway

BashfulPosted:

It's easy to see it's a ploy by Gamestop. Whenever you walk into a store, especially me, I get harassed about new games, mostly CoD and if I pick up a new game they insist I buy the used one for 5$ less.
What's the difference between a new game and a used? Barely any. Besides any offers that come with a new copy aren't involved and you never know what you're purchasing. Mass Effect 2 included 15$ worth of DLC just for buying it new.

So why does Gamestop insist that used copies are just as good? Because they receive 100% of the profit. If they were honest with their consumer base, people would realize that paying 5$ extra is worth it. Let's face it, if you were to sell a game you just bought to Gamestop, you would get 20$. They would put it back on the shelf for 55$, 35$ profit. I remember talking to a manager at a Gamestop who said the same thing. Honestly, I hope Xbox does this. It would also decrease prices. PC Games are usually cheaper when I have bought them, you can't resell them half the time because it requires a serial key. Xbox games may cost 40 or 50$ if this happens.

neboPosted:

Feet Yeah, this will hurt GameStop a lot...


lol more than a lot

AncientEgyptPosted:

They better not prohibit pre-owned games. So far the PS4 sounds better then the new xbox

ZyphrPosted:

Yeah, this will hurt GameStop a lot...

FrenzyRGPosted:

6 good games every year = 300

muffinchucksPosted:

cantermax i dont care all of my games were new when i buyed them
so i dont give a **** if they block them


Easy to say when your mom buys them for you.....

thePiManxPosted:

AR15 Microsoft isn't dumb enough to do this, it would KILL all profits for them because no one would suffer through that.


i would agree.

i think its more of a built in 'online pass' system which would not require the original buyer of the game to purchase one. only the used game buyer would need to buy the online pass. its probably 'dev' based and allows the studios to control it.

ChugJugPosted:

Well I think Microsoft could. Do this but mite not

EstablishPosted:

It's obvious that GameStop would say this, because if the next Xbox can't play used games, GameStop is in deep trouble.