2013 Video Game Thread

[Kyyle23]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

A patent application published today resurrects the rumor that Sony's next gaming console will suppress the playing of used games, and outlines how such a scheme would be accomplished without the use of an always-on Internet connection for verification. In short, an RFID ID stamped onto the new discs would track their usage history and restrict them to one console.

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

 

[chw42]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

 

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

I hate Sony sometimes.

[Jenksismyhero]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

 

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

I don't understand why they would do this. I would guess - and perhaps my assumption is wrong - that Gamestop and similar companies actually make more money for developers, especially the big developers with titles that have sequels. There have been several games that I started with a used copy and then later bought the new copy because I liked the franchise so much.

 

 

[ChiSox_Sonix]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

 

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

That sucks.

[Kyyle23]

I don't understand why they would do this. I would guess - and perhaps my assumption is wrong - that Gamestop and similar companies actually make more money for developers, especially the big developers with titles that have sequels. There have been several games that I started with a used copy and then later bought the new copy because I liked the franchise so much.

 

I think a lot of it has to do with having a lot of control over the catalog of games as well, and driving the need to buy/rent games back to sony as opposed to gamefly/gamestop/blockbuster(are they still around????)

[Kyyle23]

Oh, and I just wanted to mention I cannot wait for Aliens : Colonial Marines.

[ZoomSlowik]

I don't understand why they would do this. I would guess - and perhaps my assumption is wrong - that Gamestop and similar companies actually make more money for developers, especially the big developers with titles that have sequels. There have been several games that I started with a used copy and then later bought the new copy because I liked the franchise so much.

 

I would imagine that the number of people that just keep buying used games is far greater than the number that eventually buy new ones. Then again, I'm weird about that and never buy used games.

 

The far easier answer to me is to increase digital distribution so gamestop can't sell the same used game 4 times at $50 a pop.

[southsider2k5]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

 

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

SO much for my buying a Playstation again.

[Jenksismyhero]

I would imagine that the number of people that just keep buying used games is far greater than the number that eventually buy new ones. Then again, I'm weird about that and never buy used games.

 

The far easier answer to me is to increase digital distribution so gamestop can't sell the same used game 4 times at $50 a pop.

 

Yeah, digital distribution is the next thing for consoles.

 

I heard the new Xbox is trying to land a deal with a big cable company, basically to combine the two to make one set top box for gaming, tv and movies.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Jenksismybitch

[Kyyle23]

Yeah, digital distribution is the next thing for consoles.

 

I heard the new Xbox is trying to land a deal with a big cable company, basically to combine the two to make one set top box for gaming, tv and movies.

 

Couldnt you see this sort of backfiring too though? Say you dont pay your cable/bundle deal on time, does your downloaded content go away until you pay your bill?

 

Also, you have to imagine if it Time Warner/Comcast, there will be a large contingent of people that wont buy it simply because they dont want to change their subscription from dish or just outright hate comcast(me) or time warner. Seems like a risky play to combine them.

[Jenksismyhero]

Couldnt you see this sort of backfiring too though? Say you dont pay your cable/bundle deal on time, does your downloaded content go away until you pay your bill?

 

Also, you have to imagine if it Time Warner/Comcast, there will be a large contingent of people that wont buy it simply because they dont want to change their subscription from dish or just outright hate comcast(me) or time warner. Seems like a risky play to combine them.

 

I'm sure it'll be optional. But if you're a Comcast subscriber and can get an HD DVR that also plays Xbox games wouldn't that tip the scale over getting a PS3? I'm sure they'll combine features too.

[lasttriptotulsa]

So lets kick this thing off with a little rumor nugget about the upcoming Playstation console:

 

http://kotaku.com/5972787/sony-patent-coul...ext-playstation

 

 

 

So, two things I have read rumor wise about this console is 1: it will not be backwards compatible with PS3(and will force you to get those games on the PS Network) and 2: it will destroy the used game market with playstation. If this above patent comes to fruition, your game will only work with your console. No going to friends houses with your games, no renting. Your console, thats it.

 

Don't remember where I saw it, but I believe Microsoft is doing a similar thing with the new X-Box. All games are gonna have a key to be able to play it similar to computer software. There would still be a used games market, but you would have to purchase a new "key" for a few bucks to be able to play the game.

[Steve9347]

Don't remember where I saw it, but I believe Microsoft is doing a similar thing with the new X-Box. All games are gonna have a key to be able to play it similar to computer software. There would still be a used games market, but you would have to purchase a new "key" for a few bucks to be able to play the game.

This is like the concept EA is using on their games that are played online. You only get one online code, so if you buy the game used, you have to pay $10 to take it online.

[StrangeSox]

that's a great idea, incentivize pirating even more!

[kev211]

This is like the concept EA is using on their games that are played online. You only get one online code, so if you buy the game used, you have to pay $10 to take it online.

10 dollars is at least reasonable though

[kev211]

Sad day my launch PS3 finally died today. It had one hell of a run though. Now I just have to figure out how to get my nba2k13 game out of the system.

[danman31]

I would imagine that the number of people that just keep buying used games is far greater than the number that eventually buy new ones. Then again, I'm weird about that and never buy used games.

 

The far easier answer to me is to increase digital distribution so gamestop can't sell the same used game 4 times at $50 a pop.

I don't buy used games either, though I frequently sell back games I've played. That said, I'd happily see Gamestop rot. That place has screwed me over a couple times and I don't really care for the used games market as a business. As others mentioned some games already have activation codes as is anyway. This is just the next step.

[kev211]

I had to do surgery on my ps3 to get my disc out. Kinda fun taking that thing apart. Now I just need to buy a new one

[Steve9347]

So, now that I have a tablet that is the bees knees, I discovered that Rockstar released not only one of my favorite games of all time in Max Payne on Android, but also Grand Theft Auto 3, which is another favorite game of mine of all-time. I downloaded both, and cannot believe how smoothly they run, and how gorgeous the graphics are... also, the games are just a blast to play and the controls on the screen actually work and make sense.

 

They just released Vice City, too, but I'll wait to DL that until I've re-defeated GTA 3. Man, these games are all great and take me back. It's amazing how I still remember all the secrets in GTA 3. But anyway, if you have a 7-10" tablet or iPad, holy f*** is it fun to relive these games.

 

The GTA 3 10th Anniversary Android version has better graphics than the original PS2 version. That's nuts.

[chw42]

So, now that I have a tablet that is the bees knees, I discovered that Rockstar released not only one of my favorite games of all time in Max Payne on Android, but also Grand Theft Auto 3, which is another favorite game of mine of all-time. I downloaded both, and cannot believe how smoothly they run, and how gorgeous the graphics are... also, the games are just a blast to play and the controls on the screen actually work and make sense.

 

They just released Vice City, too, but I'll wait to DL that until I've re-defeated GTA 3. Man, these games are all great and take me back. It's amazing how I still remember all the secrets in GTA 3. But anyway, if you have a 7-10" tablet or iPad, holy f*** is it fun to relive these games.

 

The GTA 3 10th Anniversary Android version has better graphics than the original PS2 version. That's nuts.

 

My phone has a little bit of trouble playing VC, especially when I use my MOGA controller with it. Either way the auto-aim blows. But it's still great fun.

 

It is pretty crazy how I marveled that I was able to play these games on my PS2 back in 2002. Now I can play them on a tablet or phone, that's crazy.

Edited January 5, 2013 by chw42

[TaylorStSox]

Re: Used game market - I'm a cheap/poor bastard. I've flipped about 20 games over the last 3 years and bought about 3. I use the Gamestop policy of returning games in 7 days. Almost all campaigns are beatable in a week. The exceptions were Skyrim and the 2 Borderlands. This week, I bought the first Bioshock, had another run through to get an achievement (No harvesting Little Sisters) and returned it.

 

If the next-Gen consoles use key codes, they'll be hacked. I'm not worried about it. We live in a world of free software. Honestly, I don't feel guilty either.

[Chicago White Sox]

If the next-Gen consoles use key codes, they'll be hacked. I'm not worried about it. We live in a world of free software. Honestly, I don't feel guilty either.

Let's hope they don't get hacked. Developers are losing millions to the used game market. With growing development costs, the incentive to create truly unique, epic game experiences is shrinking. Companies are simply afraid to take big risks, look at how many games have become serialized and how some series have even become annualized. If something sells the first go around, the big companies will pump out sequel after sequel with minimal improvement, look at the Assassin's Creed series after AC II.

 

Sure, we have independent studios making some great stuff and I'm all for that. But I also want to play the next Bioshock, the next Dishonered, the next truly original, epic game with big-time production values. This isn't the music industry, vidieo game companies don't have the equivalent of concerts to fall back on. They need huge game sales to continue making new AAA games. Ending used game sales, at least for next-gen systems, would be a huge step in the right direction.

[Steve9347]

Let's hope they don't get hacked. Developers are losing millions to the used game market. With growing development costs, the incentive to create truly unique, epic game experiences is shrinking. Companies are simply afraid to take big risks, look at how many games have become serialized and how some series have even become annualized. If something sells the first go around, the big companies will pump out sequel after sequel with minimal improvement, look at the Assassin's Creed series after AC II.

 

Sure, we have independent studios making some great stuff and I'm all for that. But I also want to play the next Bioshock, the next Dishonered, the next truly original, epic game with big-time production values. This isn't the music industry, vidieo game companies don't have the equivalent of concerts to fall back on. They need huge game sales to continue making new AAA games. Ending used game sales, at least for next-gen systems, would be a huge step in the right direction.

Great post.

 

I've never minded buying new games I'm excited about - and I happily fork over a brand new $60 for NBA 2k every year because that franchise makes noticeable, amazing improvements every year. Then I sell that s*** on eBay. Heh.

[SnB]

So, now that I have a tablet that is the bees knees, I discovered that Rockstar released not only one of my favorite games of all time in Max Payne on Android, but also Grand Theft Auto 3, which is another favorite game of mine of all-time. I downloaded both, and cannot believe how smoothly they run, and how gorgeous the graphics are... also, the games are just a blast to play and the controls on the screen actually work and make sense.

 

They just released Vice City, too, but I'll wait to DL that until I've re-defeated GTA 3. Man, these games are all great and take me back. It's amazing how I still remember all the secrets in GTA 3. But anyway, if you have a 7-10" tablet or iPad, holy f*** is it fun to relive these games.

 

The GTA 3 10th Anniversary Android version has better graphics than the original PS2 version. That's nuts.

How are the controls? I saw it in the App Store and was certainly curious.

[TaylorStSox]

Let's hope they don't get hacked. Developers are losing millions to the used game market. With growing development costs, the incentive to create truly unique, epic game experiences is shrinking. Companies are simply afraid to take big risks, look at how many games have become serialized and how some series have even become annualized. If something sells the first go around, the big companies will pump out sequel after sequel with minimal improvement, look at the Assassin's Creed series after AC II.

 

Sure, we have independent studios making some great stuff and I'm all for that. But I also want to play the next Bioshock, the next Dishonered, the next truly original, epic game with big-time production values. This isn't the music industry, vidieo game companies don't have the equivalent of concerts to fall back on. They need huge game sales to continue making new AAA games. Ending used game sales, at least for next-gen systems, would be a huge step in the right direction.

I can't dispute any of this. Good post. I shouldn't mix video games up with other media like film and music. With the cost of producing video games, the price is far more justified.