So the rumours surrounding the Xbox720 and PS4 have included hints that they may be including new features to prevent the playing of second-hand games. From 'always on' internet requirements to game disc registration, the prevailing theory is that the coming generation is seeking to eliminate the used game market once and for all.

The question is, is this a good thing for the industry? Or will it bite them in the ass as the consumer base revolts? Will Nintendo continue to strike out on their own, or will they follow Microsoft and Sony? Is there a common ground that can be reached between consumers and publishers?

Lots of issues and opinions to consider, which means it's time for another Negative World Roundtable

So what's your view?

URL to share (right click and copy)

@Pokefreak911

As much as I wish we lived in a post-capitalist society, we don't, so if making money isn't part of the plan, something else has to be which I imagine would distract from the game making.

I've heard Australia has quite a safety net, though.

I am not against getting rid of used games. I am also not against gaming. I just want what is best for the gaming industry; however, if both systems moved to banning used games, I will feel bad for all the gamestop employees that get laid off.

I do support an all digital future; however, I think publishers need to be aggresive with sales and pricing. If everything is digital, then they should offer lower prices, more sales, etc.

Actually, now that I think about it, banning used games would kill hardware makers relationships with retail, so they should just do this. Allow used games to be played, but be real aggressive with their digital model. Offer preorder bonuses through digital, undercut the prices and always make the digital version cheaper. Have combo sales that save money. I think that is the way to fight used games, with a real aggressive and modern digital model.

@Pokefreak911

That statement is naive on so many levels. The only way these games would come out is if the people making them from top to bottom can devote a huge chunk of their time to make it happen. You think that could realistically happen if they weren't being compensated?

Nintendo would never block used games. They will definitely encourage digital distribution, but for the children who play games a big part of it is bringing games to your friend's house and vice versa, lending and trading games, and Nintendo knows that culture is really strong. If parents are buying their kids a console, and they are well informed of how PS4/Durango block used games, how could they not choose Wii U.

@anon_mastermind

So you're saying playing used and borrowed games is kiddy? Then of course Nintendo will embrace it!

@anon_mastermind

Wait so they are going to encourage digital sales which they restrict by locking it to a device but simultaneously they are going to embrace the lending friends games idea and keep physical restrictions as lenient as they are now?

@Jargon
My sarcasm meter is broken, but I think you agree with me.

Stephen said:

@anon_mastermind

Wait so they are going to encourage digital sales which they restrict by locking it to a device but simultaneously they are going to embrace the lending friends games idea and keep physical restrictions as lenient as they are now?

Yeah, I don't see why not? Why go one way or the other when you can go both ways.

@anon_mastermind

Let's reexamine it, why have restrictions like this on digital content if you don't mind people sharing content?

@Stephen

I guess with a physical copy they can be sure that only one person is playing it at a time and it's a pain to distribute to lots of people, but with digital they might fear a situation where tons of people are sharing a game.

Stephen said:

@anon_mastermind

Let's reexamine it, why have restrictions like this on digital content if you don't mind people sharing content?

Well, it's harder to share something digitally by nature. You'd have to log in on a friend's console, redownload the software. I think you can do that on the 360 but I'm sure you can't even do on the Wii U. So it's currently restricted by the Nintendo Network setup. But kids aren't likely to buy digitally anyways, they receive games as gifts or save up their allowance for months, after which I doubt they will just buy and eShop card, they like to have a physical disc and game case. I think digital distribution appeals more to an older, credit card-holding crowd, as well. And they probably don't game locally with friends as much as the youngsters.

The bottom line is that Nintendo should continue to offer DRM-free physical content for younger players/collectors while offering digital distribution of all titles for those who prefer it. That's what their mission is with the 3DS and Wii U, I believe.

yea most little kids can't afford DLC or digital games unless they take their parents credit cards, are rich, or the parent lets them do that stuff with no issues.

@Jargon@Stephen

I *think* what Pokefreak is getting at is that you get into game development because you want to create something. As an artist who enjoys the work. Not simply to make money.

Of course making money should be a practical consideration for all the reasons you mentioned, but someone who's just in the industry for the cash without any love for the process? That's no good. People like Bobby Kotick who simply don't give a fuck what the content of a game might be, as long as it can make them piles of easy cash.

Wellsy529 said:

..but certain publishers and game developers might not put their games on Nintendo systems.

Certain publishers and game developers are ALREADY not putting their games on Nintendo. I can't see it being worse than it is. I hate feeling like we're LUCKY to get a certain game, like Batman. What a bunch of S.

Anyway, I buy all my games new, so it doesn't matter to me.

It's tough to say what impact used sales really have on the industry, since the money people get for selling their games likely goes back into buying games. But such controlling policies that MS and Sony are rumoured to be creating with their next systems are certainly not good for consumers, especially if they won't be lowering prices and offering sales to compensate.

For myself, if things continue down this line then the Wii U will be the last system I buy.

@Koovaps
Making games for the money is wrong to me. I make games because I love to and I'm sure many other developers could say the same.

@Shadowlink
Nailed it.

@Pokefreak911

I understand the sentiment, but if you want to make a living out of it, money had better be on your mind. Otherwise the only games we'd ever get are from hobbyists who make games in their spare time. That sounds terrible.

@Koovaps
Some of the best games I have played have been made in spare time. Don't doubt games that haven't been the 1 focus on someones attention. And of course I want to make a living out of it, but i'm happy to at least make the games and have people play them.

Some of us have spare time. Ask zero how much time he could be spending making music while he's at work.

Durango has to be online for games to work, it's confirmed by bgassassin (verified insider) to be true. Their intent is to stop used games.

The prospects for new consoles were already on shaky grounds. Oh MS. The video game crash has begun.