The Real Cost of Next Gen

Finally, we've enough information on the next generation consoles, the PS4 and the next Xbox (I know it's the Xbox One, but that's what the first Xbox is being referred to as). There was a lot of rumours and backlash with regards to used games for both systems, but now the companies have come out and assured us that there will be no restrictions with regards to that (for now). The rate at which policies and decisions are made and change makes it uncertain whether this stand will be taken throughout the console lifespan, or just for launch to get people into the market. But whatever it is, gamers have won (again, for now).

The issue of used games is a tricky one, because for one, devolopers don't get money from sales of these games, and the profit goes to the retailers. There are arguments for developers, and there are arguments for us, the consumers and we definitely know the savings we can get, but is it fair for retailers to make all the money?

Well, we're hearing of GameStop getting into a bit of a pinch, and brick and mortar stores seem to be struggling more and more, so is selling new games really profitable for them? If it isn't, then is it fair for them then that they have to work with such a small profit margin? And if it isn't, then shouldn't they get to profit from used games? Perhaps then, to make it fair, publishers should drop the price for retailers so they make more money, and retailers should share the profit from used games. But then, development studios are closing down as well, which makes me wonder if the games industry is really sustainable, and will it be even worse with higher graphical fidelity expected of them in the new generation of consoles?

Have we reached a stage where only the popular games will survive and new IP that don't perform to the standard of the Call Of Duty's will be axed and their studios closed? Will new IP be such a major risk that we'll only see creativity from Indies? Such a scenario is a scary thought, and might spell the death of even major publishers when the franchise they've been milking finally dies.

Could us gamers then stop picking on graphics and instead give more focus on gameplay and game mechanics, as well as creativity and storytelling? Perhaps then, game development costs can come down and retailers, publishes, developers can survive, and probably bring the savings to consumers as well. We are already getting less and less from our game boxes - no more thick manuals and little collectibles, and games are getting shorter in favour of better graphics. Perhaps it is time to look at new methods of game development...