New Xbox @ E3? EA Already developing for it?

[Twigg4075]

Developers like EA are going to put pressure on console makers to make digital copies. They HATE that places like Gamestop can buy back games and resell them for 100% profit to them. If formats switch over to something digital, Gamestops won't cease to exist completely, but the company will get scaled back.

Oh, I know that's what ALL of these companies ultimately want to do. But I don't know if it's like an unwritten law, back alley handshake or if there is some kind of contract that these companies have with B&M stores. I would imagine it's the latter because I'm sure both MS/Sony/Nintendo and the developers like EA get TONS of money from retailers because they advertise their games and they are featured prominently in their stores. If they cut these guys out shit is going to get crazy. It's not like they can't do it now. They could undercut these guys with the digital versions of games on the download stores. Why sell Just Cause 2 on Live for $29.99 when you can undercut the retailers since you are at the very least saving money on the manufacturing of the case and instructions?

[Guest]

Oh, I know that's what ALL of these companies ultimately want to do. But I don't know if it's like an unwritten law, back alley handshake or if there is some kind of contract that these companies have with B&M stores. I would imagine it's the latter because I'm sure both MS/Sony/Nintendo and the developers like EA get TONS of money from retailers because they advertise their games and they are featured prominently in their stores. If they cut these guys out shit is going to get crazy. It's not like they can't do it now. They could undercut these guys with the digital versions of games on the download stores. Why sell Just Cause 2 on Live for $29.99 when you can undercut the retailers since you are at the very least saving money on the manufacturing of the case and instructions?

And thats a very good point. I mean, I get a daily email from Gamestop, and they are advertising new games as well. They also do a whole lot of midnight releases for games as well. If it ever happens, it will certainly hurt Gamestop, but its not like they are going to be closing their stores like Blockbuster.

[leaffan]

It's harder to copyright protect digital copies too, I'd imagine. Look at PC gaming.

Well you're pretty much wrong lol.

I hope the next consoles go digital copies. They are better for performance, easier to update, easier to release, easier to implement security overall better.

Much like everything in PC gaming though they are usually lightyears ahead of consoles when it comes to things like this.