DLC and Digital Distribution is the end of console gaming
By Hawk456 4 Comments
Times are tough and game development/publishing/distribution/etc... isn't easy and it's certainly not cheap. But that doesn't change anything in the eyes of consumers. As a matter of fact, I would argue that "times are tough" exacerbates the issue. Case(s) in point:
- Disposable income is down overall... consumers turn to the used game market to earn/save some coin... publishers get zero money in secondary market trading and respond with online passes to take some coin and discourage secondary markets... used game prices now test consumer demand for online content by not discounting the cost of an online pass, which keeps new game prices elevated for longer periods... but times are tough and people don't want to spend as much... so developers fire back with DLC, which eliminates secondary market trading... so your COD MW3, just cost you $120 instead of $60, if you're an early adopter that wants full content.
- DLC becomes standard because that's where the "real" money can be made. And now publishers turn their eyes to a digital distribution channel. Why would you ever sell your game when you can license it for the same price?
- Digital Distribution is economically disruptive because you no longer own the game, you're just renting it forever. There is no secondary market and as such, money is left on the table because people might have bought the game at $10 but not at $20.
Don't talk to me about Steam and PC digital distribution because there is a physical alternative... console gaming.
If we move to a full digital distribution model for consoles,it creates an oligopoly where Microsoft and Sony control distribution and pricing.
- Do you really think MSFT or SNE really give a shit if times are tough for you? You currently have to pay more for the digital copy than the physical... how is this economically acceptable to consumers? It costs far less for digital distribution, why do they charge more? Some days I'm too lazy to change the disc too, but that's no excuse.
The days of the coin-op arcade came and went. The days of the digital arcade are upon us, and the days of the licensed, digital console are within reach. I urge you... Do not go gentle into the age of digital distribution. Rage, rage, against the dying of the physical media!
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