Michael Pachter, analyst and all round videogames industry celebrity, has urged Sony and Microsoft to consider the impact that locking out pre-owned software will have on consumers. Both the PlayStation 4 and next Xbox may potentially lock-out second-hand games, but Sony’s Jack Tretton went on the record to say locking out used games is “anti-consumer”.
Speaking on the latest Pach Attack, the analyst said that the industry would “disintegrate” if this was to happen. “I think there will be no more videogames if next-gen consoles don’t support used games,” he said. “You hear that, Sony and Microsoft? You have to support used games,” he continued.
He also fought of claims from some publishes who have said that used games eat up large chunk of potential profits. “What does it actually cost if people trade in used games and some people buy used games instead of new games?” he asked. “My guess is 5% of software sales, probably.”
Personally, I prefer the online pass approach, where online / multiplayer content requires a one-off PSN voucher to access the content. Those who purchase used games would have to pay to get a new PSN voucher to unlock the online / multiplayer component of the game.