Hasta La Gadget!

Let me say this loud and clear: any game console that tries to block used games will fail. And I, along with other gamers, will be happy to see it.

Over the last year or so, we’ve been hearing rumors that Microsoft’s next console, currently codenamed Durango, could ban used games. Microsoft, of course, hasn’t said anything on the matter, deciding instead to keep its plans close to the vest until it finally has the chance to unveil the device to the world. But the steady drumbeat of claims that the console won’t support used games is concerning.

The video game industry can’t stand used games. Gamers run out to buy a new title and before long, turn around and sell it back to their local game retailer, like Gamestop, to get back some of their cash. In many cases, those gamers then put the credit towards another game.

For gamers and Gamestop, it’s a great model that works exceedingly well. But the game developers have a real issue with used titles.

See, after a game is sold back to a company like Gamestop, there’s no way for the developers to generate cash off the secondary sale. That means that all of their hard work can’t be profited on, and retailers can double-dip on the games they’re investing in.

“I’ll be the first to admit that I think the system is flawed.”

I’ll be the first to admit that I think the system is flawed. I know of several developers that can’t stand the thought of used-game sales and I totally understand why they have those feelings. Revenue sharing on used-game sales really is unfair. And it’s something that the industry should not – and perhaps, cannot – overlook; it needs to be fixed.

That said, used games have a place in today’s console space. Used games are cheaper, which makes it easier for gamers to enjoy the entertainment they so desire. For many people around the world, spending $60 on a video game is impossible when bills need to be paid and kids need to be fed. But buying a title for, say, half the price, isn’t such a bad deal.

Used games, let’s not forget, have also done wonders for the online services Sony and Microsoft offer. The more used games that customers buy, the more people playing titles online. And thus, revenue across the industry goes up. It’s a win-win.

And yet, the steady drumbeat of claims that Microsoft might do away with used-game playing in the next Xbox grows louder by the day. If it’s true – and let’s be clear, we’re not sure if it is – that would mean Microsoft’s console would be the only next-generation hardware to not allow for used titles. What’s worse, it would be the first console in history to not support such a key part of the game-buying experience.

“if Microsoft does not support used games in its next console, I will not buy the hardware.”

I can say unequivocally that if Microsoft does not support used games in its next console, I will not buy the hardware. And I have a feeling there are thousands, if not millions, of gamers who will stand alongside me.

Look, I’m all for giving developers the proper compensation for what they’ve created. And I, too, think the used-game market is hurting developers. But not allowing used games isn’t the answer; stopping retailers from taking advantage of gamers and developers is.

Banning Used Games Is A Deal-Breaker is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Microsoft may force gamers of its next-gen Xbox “720″ to install all games to the internal drive rather than run them from disc, with the new console – codenamed “Durango” – also insisting on a permanent online connection. New documentation purportedly from the Durango XDK (Xbox Development Kit) and shared by Vgleaks suggests Microsoft is changing the way the next Xbox will load and handle optical media; although the console will have a Blu-ray drive, the help files confirm, it will only be used for installation.

“Every Durango console will have a hard drive, although its exact capacity has not been chosen” the XDK reads. “It will be large enough, however, to hold a large number of games. All games will be installed on the hard drive. Play from the optical disc will not be supported.”

It’s suggested that the installation system is part of Microsoft’s attempt to avoid used games being sold, with per-console activation codes for each title that cannot be revoked or exchanged with others. Earlier chatter indicated that Microsoft would use an online authentication system for this, and the XDK also mentions the connectivity requirement Microsoft will have of the new console.

“Durango will implement different power states so that it can always be powered on, but will draw minimal electricity when not in use” the document states. “The console will be ready instantly when users want to play, and will always maintain a network connection so that console software and games are always current.”

Although the purpose of such an “Always On, Always Connected” system state is described as being beneficial for the gamer themselves – meaning they can avoid lengthy boot times as well as any downtime for system updates – it also could pay dividends for Microsoft’s monitoring of what titles owners are running. Without a connection, the console will presumably not play any games whatsoever, meaning it won’t be possible to install someone else’s copy but avoid the online activation process.

One small saving grace is the promise that players won’t have to wait for protracted installation processes to be completed before they can start the game. Microsoft is apparently working on a system whereby a title can be played midway through the first-time installation, reducing the amount of frustrating delay.

“Durango consoles will have a Blu-ray Disc drive. Disc media will be used for distribution, but during gameplay games will not use content from the optical disc. An installation system is being designed that will allow gamers to begin playing while the game is being installed on the hard drive rather than waiting until installation is complete” Microsoft

Still, limits on used games seldom meet with approval from either gamers or retailers, many of whom argue that since they’ve paid for the title, they should be able to do what they like with it. One possibility, however, is that while authentic the XDK information could be based on old policies. The Verge claims to have separately substantiated the files, but points out that they date from 2012 and as such Microsoft might have tweaked its approach to copyright and activation in the meantime.

The Xbox 720 is shaping up to be a significantly more “aware” console than its predecessor. Another mandatory component is a new Kinect sensor, smaller and more efficient than the existing sensor-bar, with a broader field of view, HD video support, and better low-light performance. It’s also believed to be able to track more people simultaneously: up to six at a time, rather than the current Kinect’s two.

Xbox 720 demands installed games and always-on activation leak suggests is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

A few weeks ago, EA executive Blake Jorgensen raised a few eyebrows as he believes the next generation of video games will bring on another rise in costs to make new games cost $69. It seems he isn’t entirely alone in his way of thinking as gaming analyst Michael Pachter also believes a rise in video game prices should also be expected when the next generation of consoles is released.

Pachter spoke at the SXSW gaming conference with GameTrailers’ Geoff Keighley live-tweeting his lecture. During his presentation, Pachter shared a prediction of game prices to occur in the next generation of video game consoles saying “PS4 and next Xbox games will likely cost 70 dollars, 10 dollars more than current gen.”

Considering how Pachter said the next Xbox will outsell the PlayStation 4 and Wii U without even knowing the final specs for the PS4 and next Xbox, we think you should take this news with a grain of salt, especially since he also isn’t an official video games industry source. We just hope video game publishers don’t get the crazy idea of raising the prices for their games as we’re sure many of you already feel $60 for a new game is pretty high.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: StarCraft 2: Heart Of The Swarm Has Gone Live!, Leaked Star Wars Game Might Be Star Wars: Battlefront 3 Predecessor,

As far as next-gen consoles are concerned, Nintendo has shown their hand with the Wii U, and Sony theirs with the PlayStation 4, leaving Microsoft who are still holding their cards pretty close to the chest. Assuming the rumors are correct, April could be when Microsoft will take the wraps off the Xbox 720, but once that is over and done with, which next-gen console will be crowned the “winner”? According to gaming analyst, Michael Pachter, he predicts that Microsoft’s Xbox 720 will be the “winner” and beat out both the PlayStation 4 and the Wii U.

He believes the Xbox 720 will sell 90-95 million units, while the PlayStation 4 will sell less around 85-95 million, with the Wii U at the bottom with 30-50 million units sold. At this point in time it is a little too early to tell which console will prevail, especially since it’s not just the hardware that makes it attractive, but exclusive games and features that makes the gamer buy that particular console over the other. As far as the PS4 is concerned, the actual console itself has yet to be revealed, but from what we’ve learn based on Sony’s press event, the PS4 appears to be geared more towards social gaming and social features, so it will be interesting to see what Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox could bring to the table.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Battlefield 4 Unveiled On March 26 (Rumor), PS4, Xbox 720 Game Prices Could Reach $70 [Analyst],

It looks like this week’s unveiling of the PlayStation 4 caught one company by surprise and are deciding to unveil their new console earlier than expected. According to a handful of developers and industry professionals, including a Sony official, it’s said that the Redmond-based company was caught “off-guard” by the PS4 announcement and is currently scrambling to get the Xbox 720 revealed earlier than expected.

We expected Microsoft to unveil the Xbox 720 during E3 in June, but now it’s said that the company will announce its next-generation gaming console at its own media event sometime in early April, where they’ll have the chance to take as much time as they want to show off the new console without any attention being taken away by other E3 events.

In fact, Ustechs, which is a partner of Microsoft’s and has worked with the company on previous media events such as their press conference at E3 last year, has registered the domain name XboxEvent.com, which could be used to promote Microsoft’s rumored April event, and act as a central hub for the event.

Of course, this is all speculation, but Sony believes that they have ruffled some feathers over in Redmond, Washington. While the console wars have always been around, it looks like 2013 will be host to one of the biggest console wars we may ever see. The PlayStation 4 will be available to the public in time for the holiday season this year, and we can expect the same from Microsoft.

[via CVG]

Xbox 720 unveil rumored for April after PS4 surprise is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.