re: Microsoft defends the Xbox One's Licensing, Used Game Policies - Great Interview

Do you think Sony would be able to keep pace with Microsoft if it turns out to be like we think? Or will they be behind? Collapse?

quote:

---

iTunes is the only distributor of music you can put on your iPhone, iPad, etc. How has their proprietary system inflated prices over the years?

It hasn't.

---

lots of people still torrent music for free and input it on to their free itunes software for music. Ive maybe paid for something on itunes twice

quote:

---

If the age comes quicker then expected will sony be screwed and have to rush out a new product, will they be stuck with what they have? Can the fix it with the current PS4?

---

A new product for what? Maybe I'm not understanding what you are asking, but what is it that Sony would have to change?

In the area of digital downloads, aren't they doing the same thing as MS? The only difference is the continued existence of physical games.

quote:

---

PS4 is feeding into the hands of these people. I dont know how it works for them in the long run. But it is smart for them now. Im sure if it goes full Digital in a few years im assuming Sony could just catch up i donno? What do you think?

---

Here is the difference. It's sort of like the Tortoise and the Hair.

Sony does not have the luxury both financially or time wise to do anything other than swing for the fences. They are going to give the here and now consumers what they want and hope it works and sticks. They have no other choice really if they want to be around to make Playstation 5.

MS on the other hand has its bread and butter and for the foreseeable future always will. They have tons of cash and enough revenue streams to take their time and establish their own market with the One. If they have poor sales figures out of the gates it wouldn't be nearly as detrimental to them as it would Sony.

I think this console is just a set up for the next Xbox really. It's more of a bridge than anything else. Even if you don't have a physical Xbox in the future it's still a bridge to where the overall service is going.

quote:

---

Where would they need to catch up?

---

Because Sony's whole marketing and appeal this go around is towards people that are less apt to accept change.

quote:

---

I dont really know either myself. Lets say we have a collapse of used games etc. Will sony have to change things like have to being online etc in order to do these things?

---

I don't see why they would. In the event of a used game collapse, why would always on DRM be required?

Internet connection would be required for downloading digitally, but I don't see the need for it otherwise.

Wasnt the always checking online every 24 hours or whatever to prevent something with digital downloads?

quote:

---

why would always on DRM be required?

---

Piracy issues. DRM whether always on or at least a check into the games you are using through their service is pretty standard on all digital networks. I am not sure if the networks implement it or if it is an agreement they have with the publishers in order to offer digital copies.

Even in the long run, Sony wins this argument about digital copies. They are letting Microsoft take the heat for pushing digital copies. Sony is offering digital as well.

My whole beef with what Microsoft is doing is the forced aspect of it. If I was the head of their xbox division, I would have offered both physical and digital versions of games. The digital version would be priced at 10% off the physical version with subsequent discounts as time goes on. That simple move will push most people to digital versions.

However, you can't alienate the lesser privileged individuals who must trade in games to get new ones. While I understand that used games hurts the publishers, it's something that happens for every other industry. People buy used appliances, CDs, cars, etc. You don't see those industries making a car, CD or appliance yours for life and only allowing you to give it to family members. In essence, what Microsoft is doing is saying that we buy the right to play the game and that we no longer own the game. They are forcing that paradigm shift.

If you want to change the way people buy video games, you need to make the alternative better than the current situation. I honestly don't see a huge benefit of having all of your games digital. Accessing all of your games from your account is great but is it really that much better than having a physical disc with you?

Comparing this situation to the PC market isn't exactly apples to apples. The PC gaming market is pretty small when you consider the mass appeal of console games. The PC market has always understood the digital realm since users exist in it 100% of the time. The console market consists of children, young adults, working adults, grandparents, etc. Most working adults will accept the change since they have no need to trade in games - they have jobs to fund their hobbies. Some young adults will be affected - college kids for instance - that can barely afford college. Children will be the most affected. I see a ton of adults buying used games for kids. I mean it makes sense - kids can barely pay attention to play 1 game for an hour much less finish a game. Parents/Grandparents use used games as a much cheaper way to entertain their kids. I know these are pretty specific examples but those markets will be closed if it's digital only with no used games.

Good discussion.

But are Dev going to have to ultimate say in the long run? Is their something that is keeping them from going full digital?

Will the new xbox open their eyes to potential profits?