It has a severe impact on the video game industry--the used market destroys not only the integrity of the industry, but also prohibits companies from developing and releasing their AAA titles. Look at it this way: if you go out and buy Gears of War 3 when it launches this September and trade it in, that's $60 going back to Epic Games. We'll say your friend goes to GameStop and picks up a used copy of the game for $54.99 used (because typically those used games are a whole $5 less than new because that makes sense?!), that's $60 taken right out of Epic's proverbial pocket. When you buy used, you save money (a ton, right?) but the developers and producers don't see a dime of it. Instead, that's one less person that would otherwise put $60 back in Epic's bankroll for future development of other high profile games by buying a new copy of Gears. Now your friend has a friend that buys another copy of Gears 3 for $30 used because it's on sale at GameStop for a fluke weekend. Now 3 people have enjoyed the game, but again Epic has only seen $60 for their efforts.
Why buy new you ask? To not only reward developers and producers for pumping out amazing games, but also to exercise your right in consumer sovereignty! Let developers know they have put together a very successful game, and let them know you enjoyed playing!
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