Microsoft has only just clarified the details concerning the Xbox One’s standing in DRM enforcement and online regulations, but games retailer GameStop has already seen positive stock growth as a result. As of today’s morning trading, GameStop’s shares have risen more than 7%, leaving the current value at $37.10. Presumably, this is the result of consumer response to the most (and only) comforting answer that Microsoft gave: that the decision to enforce the infamous used-games fee will be left up to individual publishers and developers, and Microsoft will have no direct role in the decision.
In response to the DRM disclosure, Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter has commented on the future of secondhand sales, saying that, “In our view, any publisher that disables used gaming risks a backlash or boycott of its titles by gamers, negatively impacting sales.” Pachter went on to say that used-game activation fees will likely not be enacted for similar reasons.
Pachter’s statements echo the thoughts of most gamers and reflect on why GameStop, reigning specialist in secondhand video game sales, has profited from the news. However, as controversy whirls and used games continue to see the spotlight, GameStop may not hold such solid ground for long.
Source: Gamespot