Digital Ownership?

Larrs888

Larrs888

Larrs888

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Hello fellow overclockers!


I'm assuming most people on here use some form of digital distribution platform, as we are all avid PC gamers Steam and Origin will probably be top of our lists. Well I'm due to complete my master's degree soon and my dissertation is on digital ownership, with particular on possession, ownership and business models. I won't bore you with all the details but digital purchasing is becoming popular as is discussion into consumer rights and ownership regarding it.

We all know Steam has flagged up recently as an example where we are now 'subscribing' to a service and thus do not own our games. Regardless of people views towards Valves platform we are entering a digital marketplace that propositions a different rule book to consumers.

Steam is a good example of offering additional value incentives to consumers, the online community, regular promotions, badges and so fourth it demonstrates innovation within their digital distribution business model, maybe the trade-off of ownership is acceptable?

Views and opinions from the community would be useful, and if anyone has ten minutes spare to complete my survey it would be greatly appreciated! :)

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post it here so apologies in advance to moderators and I can take it down if necessary.

Survey:

https://lums.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6o4haulitqELJ1r
 

MouthBoy

MouthBoy

MouthBoy

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Filled out your survey. Left my email too if you want to have a chat about anything further. I'm pretty busy at the moment so I'm sorry if I take a while to get back to you.
 

Bergkamp

Bergkamp

Bergkamp

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Filled out your survey, though I kinda feel that some of the answers I gave sort of contradict themselves given the answers available. Anyway, hope it helps.
 

Mav

Mav

Mav

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3 Nov 2005
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Kingston Upon Hull
in your survey have you even considered that ppl might not even want to download digital content ??

I hate the idea of what I pay for I don't own, and can disappear from online ?

Just a view ;)
 

Komedy

Komedy

Komedy

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I am expecting the case in Germany to change the landscape on digital distribution and ownership for ever. As we know European Law has already determined that you own digital content and that within Europe you are entitled to resell. This case is the test case that will be needed to force distributors into enabling resale. European law is very explicit that any EULA that denies this right is void and as a European Citizen your rights will be upheld as where a EULA contravenes the law, the law takes precedent.

I believe the likes of Steam know that a change is inevitable. It is not by coincidence that we saw the birth of the market place. Frequently now we see Steam add features. This summer the cards were not simple trading cards. Anyone who sold one who was sharp enough spotted that each card you sold saw a small percentage go to Steam but also the developer. Yes it was pennies but perhaps these cards were more of a development of a future market state.

Some argue that this change will only lead to higher prices, i disagree. I have a lot of games i wont play again, if by selling one i am able to buy a new one with the developer of the sold game getting a percentage cut then we might see the reverse, it may flourish.

Finally MS did not do an about turn on the xbone due to consumer out cry they too know what they had on the table was illegal, Sony do too and will also comply in the end.

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-07/03/digital-software-reselling

http://www.vg247.com/2013/07/22/val...mer-rights-group-hopeful-for-trial-this-year/

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2012/07/04/curia-digital-distribution/
 
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