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Saturday, March 13, 2010

Used video game market mirrors remanufactured cartridge industry

We are used to new cartridges coming out that have chips to prevent refilling. Or firmware updates that block remanufactured cartridges. Or new types of ink or toner that must be developed in the aftermarket before new cartridges can be properly remanufactured.

Printer and printer cartridge manufacturers have been diligent in staying in front of the technology curve, and in doing so are also in front of the money curve. They are making sure they still receive the majority of printer cartridge revenue.

But what about used video games?

According to this article, video game manufacturers are trying to get back a chunk of the $2 billion a year used video game sales.

The article states that some games are shipped with single use download codes, or are requiring users to register the game before playing it, and in some cases that registration might be non-transferable.

Or maybe you can still play the game with all of the original options, but not until you pay a $15 fee on top of whatever you paid for the physical used copy of the game.

Can you just see Canon or HP requiring you to pay a fee before your refilled cartridge will be recognized by the printer?