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Gaming Blog

Will Gaming Vouchers Take Off?

For some people, credit cards are not an option, particularly when it comes to the Internet. Lack of credit worthiness, age, technological backwardness or simple scepticism can all combine to shut people out of the world of online gaming – where, it must be said, many of them are quite happy to be.

But this presents a problem for gaming companies who want to move services online and cut out the rather expensive middleman that is the high street gaming shop by establishing a direct relationship with the customer. In theory, this will eventually result in the consumer getting a better deal.

But how can the likes of Playstation, Nintendo and Microsoft get console gamers – for many of whom the sheer simplicity of the console experience is among the key attractions - to use online services without crossing the credit card Rubicon? Playstation are having a go with a 'half-way house' strategy in which gamers will be able to purchase mobile phone credit style vouchers for €20 or €50. After that it’s a fairly simple process of log on, enter code and buy.

The vouchers can be used to get new games, expansion packs, Singstar tracks and Playstation Home… stuff. They will also be redeemable for movies when the PlayStation Network video delivery service comes onstream in early 2010.

Will it work? Perhaps, though the giddy experience of buying a shiny new game in town, bringing it home on the bus and finally getting to put it in the console may stick around a while longer.

The other angle here is that the vendors of the vouchers will be the very middlemen – highstreet gaming stores - who ultimately have most to fear from a large scale online migration.

The vouchers are out there (from October 1)… if you can’t see them they may just be hidden behind the popcorn.

Brendan Cole


 
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Comments:

I would hate that I dont have a credit card and I dont attend on gettin one so the bus into town is my only option, is it true that sony are going to start charging 50 euro for online gaming just like the xbox?

Posted by Kenny on October 14, 2009 at 01:07 PM BST #

Is this not the same thing as the Microsoft Points system? Most arcade games and map packs are 800 points working out at about €8 - €10. I do think it is a good idea, especially if it means we get games cheaper now because if you pay €50-€60 for a game, then have to shell out another tenner or so for maps or add-ons it does add up.

Posted by Aaron on October 14, 2009 at 03:05 PM BST #

Simple answer, yes it has worked and yes its continuing to work well. Microsoft Points anyone? These guys have been out for quite a while now.

Posted by Kev McLovin on October 15, 2009 at 09:51 AM BST #

wow playstation catching up with microsofts points system maybe they should charge for online because psn sucks

Posted by duffy on October 15, 2009 at 04:56 PM BST #

The only problem with paid digital downloads, is the fact that you can't just take the disc out and lend it to your mates. It's all saved on the one hard drive, and your hardly gonna lend someone your hard drive, so there'll always be a demand for hard copies of games. That said, full games should be available cheaper to download, as they don't require packaging & shipping etc. Both options should be available for consoles, it's annoying that they're not, given that most PC games are downloadable online. The most annoying part is DLC you pay extra for, that's purposely delayed, when it should be released with the game (prime example is Versus mode in RE5) - It will result in companies holding back game features, to sell them as 'add-ons' at a later date, and releasing unfinished packages in order to double profits.

Posted by Willy Kerr on October 15, 2009 at 05:35 PM BST #

The over reliance of credit cards is worrying. Personally Microsoft should not be allowed to automatically renew the subscription on a credit card like it does for Live. I had to ring up to cancel it, its such a pain. I will definitely be getting the PSN voucher cards as my credit card is dangerously high at the moment! Besides they make good birthday/Christmas presents. Retailers have gotten away with over charging for games for the last decade, they need to adapt to the online markerplace or risk losing customers. I will always want a physical product unless its a PSN/XBL arcade game. Uncharted 2 today! YAHOOO!! :)

Posted by Paul Mc on October 16, 2009 at 08:37 AM BST #

No mention of Nintendo Points? Not a perfect system but it works. As it's possible to buy these points over the counter in games shops (and some supermarkets), I think they are a great alternative to a credit card.

Posted by KMcD on October 19, 2009 at 10:03 AM BST #

Agree with Willy Kerr on the DLC. A good example is the new EA/Bioware game Dragon Age: Origins. Game looks fantastic and has huge potential but there are loads of downloadable "origins" which reveals more about the story, gives new characters etc. The basic game that will probably cost €60 will need about 5 or 6 add ons to get the full experience. If they're €10 each that's a game costing over €100. That's madness and pure exploitation. I don't generally invest in DLC except for the occassional map packs for online play but if people allow themselves to be led into buying add ons for games, it will become commonplace to issue games that will need these add ons to get the full experience. It's a money spinner and in times where gaming is more popular than ever it cannot be justified by the game developers.

Posted by Aaron on October 19, 2009 at 10:54 AM BST #

What do you mean take off? Microsoft have been doing this on Live for years and the sales on both their Arcade service and indeed, at retail for MS Points, have shown it to be a resounding success. I really think more research is needed for these Gaming-based articles. :/

Posted by Simon on October 21, 2009 at 11:39 PM BST #

Microsoft has been using prepaid vouchers for ages now. You can buy microsoft points, or Xbox Live subscription. Both come in differnt denominations. Yes if you use a credit card your subscription can auto renew, but not before you would have received email advising your sub is ending so you can do something about it.

Posted by Mark on October 25, 2009 at 05:51 PM GMT #

@Simon- walk it off big guy, I think this was an attempt at highlighting Sony's venture into this side of the business. Whether or not MS has had 'resounding' success with their offering, you must realise not everybody who reads this blog is as tech savvy as yourself. Some adults might not have known something like this existed and can now pick up a handy Christmas present for beloved youngster.

Posted by chancey on October 28, 2009 at 12:56 PM GMT #

PSN is pretty basic I wouldnt pay for it yet the downloadable content has got better over the last 6 months. But a long way to go vouchers are a cracking idea, if i get em for a gift happy days but it wont stop me using the Credit card.

Posted by The Saint on October 29, 2009 at 04:08 PM GMT #

Does anyone know what is the best irish ISP for online gaming thats not too expensive..currently using that 3 mobile broadband...have a wii

Posted by noelio67 on October 29, 2009 at 08:06 PM GMT #

noelio67 most of the Irish ISP's that use a secured line are good for gaming. Eircom and NTL(if u have access) are pretty good. Eircom are very expensive in my opinion though because you have the phone line rental. I was with them and paying €50 a month for a 1MB line. I'm now paying NTL €30 a month for a 10MB line... go figure. Any of those mobile providers are pretty poor broadband connections, but that's just my opinion.

Posted by Aaron on November 03, 2009 at 03:39 PM GMT #

Try BT Ireland, mates of mine run 3 computers and an x box almost always on wireless BB and it works well. Oh I have a WII how do i get it online, is nintendo b/b different? I have spent the last week getting into Batman Arkham Asylum on PS3 and I have to say I think it is class the learning curve perfect and the story great real comic book flavour. Highly recomended.

Posted by The Saint on November 06, 2009 at 10:08 AM GMT #

I don't like the idea of doing it online. I don't do credit cards. They're not worth the hassle of paying off at the end of the month or replacing if lost or stolen. not the safest online. I would use a 3v card. only lose whats on the card. I love the feel and excitement of buying a game while on my break and sittintg there dying to play it at me desk. builds the anticipation and I think the overall enjoyment of the game as a whols if you really want it.

Posted by Liamo on November 13, 2009 at 08:54 AM GMT #

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