The global economy is in the crapper. Millions have lost their jobs, some their homes and more. And yet, the games industry grows. 11% worldwide last year. People are turning to games as a form of entertainment with high value and low cost when compared to other forms like concerts and movies.
Meanwhile, the gaming industry seems bent on bleeding gamers out of every possible cent. Charging for map packs, putting out incomplete or problematic products, over-pricing or poorly pricing products, and making gamers pay twice for stuff (see my last blog, Far Cry 2 discussion, FIFA 09 Ultimate Team problems, Jim Cook’s rant on EA/Hasbro and the recent Guitar Hero Smash Hits news).
So what’s to be done? Sure one might attempt to organize a boycott of products, but to truly put a dent in their bottom line and send a message it would need millions supporting it. And surely the haves won’t curtail their spending or adjust their entertainment requirements to help the have nots… Maybe we could attempt to ask the industry to charge less or not at all for some products. I can’t see that going over very well.
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