@Kato: Thanks Kato. We definitely heard this from several users. At one point we wanted to have the "Add to List" feature in case somebody wants to rent games automatically like you would in GameFly. We see there is no need for it and we will probably get rid of it. I appreciate the feedback.
@jakob187: Thanks for pointing that out. We will handle damages of the discs themselves but we we are not liable for any other damages. Damage means that there is some significant damage that affects game play or can be reasonably expected to affect game play. Having said that, there will probably be normal "wear and tear" which is what you are being compensated for (i.e. $5 rental). This service is probably not suitable for a game "collector" - i.e. someone who likes to keep their games on the shelf, preferably in a sealed box - but or someone who wants a return on the investment without selling the game. The way we compensate a damaged disc is by purchasing a game in a similar condition for the user in question.
Regarding the monthly fee - there is no membership fee, but if you rent a game you can only keep it for 30 days. If you keep it longer you get charged for the next 30 days and the owner receives the second commission. However, we generally do not tolerate members who continuously keep games for longer than 30 days. In our view, 30 days is enough to complete a game and it should be returned to the owner. Of course these conditions will be modified based on the feedback from the members.
" @hwarang: I rent 2 at a time and I've never had a game for 30 days. I rent 4-6 games a month (PS3, 360, DS, PSP). "
So you are a pretty high end renter. This is probably not for you. But say if you are on a 1-game plan and you only rent a couple games a month (which I used to do), $7.50 is pretty reasonable.
" Doesn't every retail game box say that rental is strictly prohibited? I'm surprised Giant Bomb wants anything to do with this. "
GiantBomb has nothing to do with this. Our company just uses the API. If the a box says it's prohibited it doesn't necessarily make it illegal. Customers have their own rights after they purchase something. Here is some info on what's called the First Sale Doctrine. It's not a very simple issue though.
" I don't want to be a downer, but have you contacted Whiskey Media about this? The Giant Bomb API terms of use state that you need Whiskey Media's permission if you're going to do anything commercial with it. "
www.gamerpocket.com Here is the summary: - It's a peer-to-peer service - No membership fees, you pay per rental - Game owners get $5 for each rented game - Each game rental is $7.50 for 30 days
Let me know what you think, and please sign up for the beta if you're interested.
" These people make decisions that impact the lives not only of every US citizen, but also of people in other countries (or at least every time they do some related to international relations). Of course it matters. "
"of course" is a bit presumptuous. In California's governor elections, i would argue that it doesn't matter at all. It's virtually ungovernable.
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