Aug 24, 2010
In an interview with CVG, Cory Ledesma from THQ has given a bold statement which seems to be very reflective on most publisher’s beliefs about preowned games.
“I don’t think we really care whether used game buyers are upset because new game buyers get everything. So if used game buyers are upset they don’t get the online feature set I don’t really have much sympathy for them,” says Ledesma.
“That’s a little blunt but we hope it doesn’t disappoint people. We hope people understand that when the game’s bought used we get cheated,” he continued.
This quote relates to the upcoming THQ title Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 having a printed DLC redemption code in the games case which will allow the user to get the pack for free. This is a similar move to other publishers to secure sales; EA did a similar thing with Mass Effect 2′s Cerberus network, which came free with new copies of the game but would have to be purchased with used copies of the game. New owners where also given some DLC for free too. Alan Wake also includes a code for its first DLC pack for people who purchase the game new.
While I see that publishers want to make the most money they can from new games, trying to isolate the used game market is a bit short sighted. If people really like a title they purchased used, they are more likely to pay for DLC, so the publisher can still see some financial return. If a sequel to that title is made, people who bought the original used and liked it may also be more likely to purchase the sequel new, like I did with Mass Effect 2. Some gamers who purchase used copies of game and enjoy will even buy a new copy to support the developer. Therefore, used game purchasers are not really the bad guys publishers make out. In the current marketplace and global financial situation, do developers really expect gamers to be able to buy all their titles new, when for some people just a £5 or so price difference between a new and used title is very significant?
Source: Gamasutra
Cry much, THQ? All sorts of media is sold secondhand. I personally don’t mind that new games come with “free” extras. Having to see publishers cry about used games? Excuse me if I don’t feel pity for them. ;)
That’s an absurd statement from THQ. If there is no reason to keep a game then why not sell it on? Publishers need to ensure games have replay value to maintain interest and encourage gamers to cherish and keep their games for longer before selling them on.
What these guys don’t seem to get is that pre-owned games are the only way a lot of retailers can make any money. New games cost so much to stock from suppliers that shops make somewhere between £1 – £2 profit for each copy sold. Mr Ledesma needs to realise developers aren’t the only organisations in the gaming industry trying to make money.
And as you say Michael, this guy might be on a six-figure salary and not quite understand the value of things but to us, in our economy, a fiver’s a fiver and we all spend a huge amount of money on video games every year as it is. To word his comments the way he has is really quite disrespectful. Glad I’m not a WWE fan. xD
Cry some moar, THQ.