GameStop Responds To Xbox 720 Rumors

GameStop has responded to rumors that Microsoft’s new console would not support used games.

Recent reports have suggested that the next Xbox console would not allow gamers to play previously-owned titles. The vast majority of individuals who have weighed in on the subject seem to think Microsoft is making a huge mistake.

According to Edge, GameStop has issued a warning of sorts to the folks at Microsoft. After surveying some of its customers about the latest rumors, the company stated that people may pass on the console if the rumors turn out to be true.

In an email to Bloomberg, GameStop spokesman Matt Hodges warned that the lack of support for used games could result in a potential consumer backlash against the console. However, he didn’t provide any details of the survey to the website.

Hodges explained:

“We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability, or not play new physical games.”

There’s a very good reason why GameStop has a vested interested in whether or not the machine will play previously-owned titles. According to ArsTechnica, the retailers make roughly half of its money from the sale of used games.

Although the rumors are still making the rounds, Microsoft has yet to confirm anything as of this writing. People have been speculating about used game bans for quite some time now. Last year, The Inquisitr reported that Sony had patented technology that would prevent previously-owned titles from being played on the PS4. However, the company said it had no plans to incorporate the technology into the system.

Should the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft block used games, then it could be the nail in the coffin for GameStop. The company is already closing between 500 and 600 stores over the course of 2013.

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