The issue of uses games on the Xbox One has been a touchy subject to say the least. At first it was said, by a higher up in an interview after the fact, that changes in the One ecosystem will effectively kill traditional used game sales.
But then, someone on Twitter from Xbox's support team, stated that the notion was completely silly. By the way, for those wondering if said Twitter account was fake, I can confirm that it is real and that the person is a valid representative of Microsoft.
So yes, it's confusing, the mixed messages we're getting. And many days later, Microsoft has refused to give a clear-cut answer. Perhaps they're waiting for E3, but all the back and forth is happening now and refused to die down. To a certain degree, is also hurting their bottom line this very moment as well.
Though, courtesy of MCV, we finally have a definitive picture of what Microsoft has in mind as it pertains to used game sales. And, surprise, it's pretty much everything that publisher, who all hate the used gaming market, has been wanting: a cut of the action.
Apparently, at least in the UK, it will work like this: first, a gamer who wishes to sell a Xbox One game that he or she no longer wants must go to a retailer that has agreed to Microsoft's terms and conditions, one that is part of their cloud-based Azure pre-owned system.
So right off the back, many mom and pop game shops that deal with used games will be cut out of the action. At least in America, that basically means Gamestop will again be the only name in town.
Moving on, the used game is then registered in Microsoft's system. That same game is then wiped from the account of its former player. Basically, if you no longer have the disc, you no longer have the game period. This basically answers the question as to why physical discs are needed in the first place, plus why the console has to be online all the time, to make sure regular checks.
The retailer can then see the pre-owned game at whatever price they choose, much like they do now, though a percentage of the sale goes to the pockets of the publisher, plus Microsoft. Which is what publishers have always wanted all along. This also means used game prices will be much higher than they are now.
Microsoft, when asked for confirmation, they basically side stepped the information given and stated that more will be revealed in the future. So take all the information above with a grain of all, but if it ends up true, credit much be given where it is due: MS found a way to make publisher happy with used game sales.
