Lithium Flower
10-31-2008, 02:12 PM
It seems Belgium has introduced a new policy taking effect in one month which would put an end to game rentals. The move is backed by the Belgian Entertainment Association in the belief that game rentals reduce revenue.
Following an announcement in June stating that Belgian rental shops will no longer be able to rent out newly released games, another announcement has been made that states from December 1st it will be illegal for any game to be rented out in Belgium. The Belgian Entertainment Association is the group behind the move, and it is believed that they are acting upon game publisher's concerns that rentals are harming potential sales, of which the gaming industry makes more money from.
Belgium is not unique in it's actions. Japan has a similar system in place, believing that introducing game rentals could reduce revenue.
Draconian anyone? Why are rentals such a big deal? Hasn't it been a legitimate practice in nearly every industry from time immemorial? You have home rentals, car rentals, movie rentals, room rentals, studio rentals, hall rentals. Are they not ALL reducing revenue from the parent industry by giving people an alternative to buying altogether, presumably because they cannot afford to put down the cash to own it outright?
This is madness!
Source (http://www.neowin.net/news/gamers/08/10/31/1-month-until-belgian-game-rentals-are-illegal)
Following an announcement in June stating that Belgian rental shops will no longer be able to rent out newly released games, another announcement has been made that states from December 1st it will be illegal for any game to be rented out in Belgium. The Belgian Entertainment Association is the group behind the move, and it is believed that they are acting upon game publisher's concerns that rentals are harming potential sales, of which the gaming industry makes more money from.
Belgium is not unique in it's actions. Japan has a similar system in place, believing that introducing game rentals could reduce revenue.
Draconian anyone? Why are rentals such a big deal? Hasn't it been a legitimate practice in nearly every industry from time immemorial? You have home rentals, car rentals, movie rentals, room rentals, studio rentals, hall rentals. Are they not ALL reducing revenue from the parent industry by giving people an alternative to buying altogether, presumably because they cannot afford to put down the cash to own it outright?
This is madness!
Source (http://www.neowin.net/news/gamers/08/10/31/1-month-until-belgian-game-rentals-are-illegal)