Is the VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY in a FLAT SPIN? Part 3: CONSUMERS

In PART 3 of the series, “Is the video game industry in a flat spin?,”  Willie Jefferson DISCUSSES how the CONSUMERS failed to ROAST the industry’s QUESTIONABLE practices.

BY WILLIE JEFFERSON JR.

THE HOUSTON GAMER

 

Since the DAWN of time, we the consumers have held the power of the purse. Without coins, companies shutter. Without revenue, industries fold.

Yet, the video game industry consistently shovels out video games, bloated with micro transactions and unpolished products, yet will charge $70.

The OG hip hop producer, Timbaland, said on the track, “Beep, Beep,” 

“All I have to do is talk on this track; you’d still go out and buy it.”

Some brands - especially Sony - can release anything and expect consumers to buy it. And like clockwork, here come the consumers.

Here are a handful of consumer practices that have enabled the video game industry to focus on profit and shareholders, not consumers.

1. Consumers will buy/pay arms and legs for a new console, Day 1. Or to buy consoles just to flip them.
2. Consumers have the money to make companies listen, but refuse to. Boycott a game, accessories and lackluster consoles, companies will listen. But, we want things now.
3. We are gladly flocking away from physical media but pay full price for a digital file and can be downloaded millions of times.
4. Refused to demand companies start allowing third-party competitors make cheaper alternatives (hard drives, controllers)
5. Brand loyalty. You prefer a brand over another. Yet, consumers will gladly pay for a buy trash because it has a company logo. When we stand up, companies will listen.
6. Buy new console - and all new software. We need companies to allow us to play older gen games instead of having to rebuy games, or have to keep older consoles around.