Game Rentals Even Bigger Business

Thanks to the VDSA (Video Software Dealers Association), who have released new information from its 2003 Annual Report, including the information that "Gamers spent $722 million renting video game software [in the US] in 2002." This is significantly up from the 2002 Annual Report, which gave a figure of $633.6 million for game rentals in 2001, and presents an interesting comparison to DVD rentals, which were $2.9 billion in 2002. The report also reveals that "65 million people own at least one game console", and, for what it's worth, that "the majority of console video game users prefer ultrarealism and sports competition." Now, if they could only invent an anti-scratch coating for game rental discs...

Comments

And This is Surprising Why...?

[LordYUK]

With all the 2-3 hour games out there, would YOU want to spend 50 bucks on them? Hell no. Couple that with the fact that everyone I know with at least 1 current gen console owns another (in other words, most of us own PS2s and either GC or Xbox, or all three) PLUS a PC (which we use mostly for gaming), and it equals lots of hardware, but no software.

Now, we HAVE to buy the PC games because they dont rent those, but for a weekend of fun, 5 bucks is hard to beat (and since you blockbuster and hollywood video give about 5 or so days for 5 bucks, its not THAT bad a deal).

Also, in the days of the NES, many of us got burned with games that were 50+ bucks (catridges were expensive!) that royally sucked (deadly towers anyone? Sqoon?), why the heck would we want to get burned again? IF its a good game, you go out and buy it after the rental... if it sucks, well, you've only lost 5 bucks.

the netflix of console gaming

[Anonymous Coward]

Gamefly I haven't tried them yet, but I like their rent-to-own policy. Anyone have any experience with them?

Re:the netflix of console gaming

[Painaxl]

I've been a Gamefly subscriber for a few months now. I've got to say, I've been very impressed. They have a very good selection of games and the site is quite easy to use (pretty much just like Netflix). Every game I've gotten from them has arrived quickly, worked, and was packaged very well. Customer support answered my emails fast. No complaints here.

Now, if I could only get them to restock Rez for the PS2...

Re:Well Of Course!

[h0mer]

Read a book.

my job to help the economy

[sabinm]

they didn't mention that half of that $722 million was me paying late fees on final fantasy x and kotor. ;|