Javert
Tank
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2003
- Messages
- 3,384
- Reaction score
- 3
This is a working explanation, hypothesis that I am open to agreement, criticism, and expansion.
The multitudes right now are not all rushing to buy the PS3 to play it. Rather, it is the PS3's intense resale value that is making it so attractive. Like oil and gold, the PS3 has become a currency more than a gaming system. I've heard at least two friends thinking of reselling the PS3 as a business proposition. Until demand wilters by the beginning of next year, Ebay-ers, craigslisters, and entrepreneurs are looking for close to 150+% profits per system.
The mob is not a testament to the popularity of the PS3, but the popularity of its demand. As long as people are willing to pay up to $1500 for a $600 system (comparable to the earnings of buying Google stock back in 2004), the frenzy will continue. The true gamers know that the PS3's true value comes later, when the price falls and better games are released.
The stories are growing more ridiculous. But the fighting, drive-by shootings, and pregnant women aren't there to play Resistance: FoM or MGS, they are there for the money. And money is based on time. The rush for the gaming system is no longer for the killer app, but for the window of time where demand is close to inelastic and the supply close to monopolistic. It's a monopoly's wet dream and people are looking to cash in. I see this as a new trend due to the internet that feeds the streak of entrepreneurship amongst people.
I close this argument with this: Video game spinsters (I'm looking at you Gamespy, Gamespot, IGN, gametrailers, Sony, Nintendo, and M$) should take into account that the frenzy on opening day is not for all fun and games, it's also economics. The demand for the product can no longer even 90% be a benchmark for its popularity, its quality, or staying power. The "next-gen" of consoles, amongst heralding a new era of visuals and control, also brings with it a new business, one beyond the control of the company, and governed by the consumer.
Comments? Think I've discovered a trend? Think I've merely stated the obvious but the first to explicitly communicate it? Sound off.
The multitudes right now are not all rushing to buy the PS3 to play it. Rather, it is the PS3's intense resale value that is making it so attractive. Like oil and gold, the PS3 has become a currency more than a gaming system. I've heard at least two friends thinking of reselling the PS3 as a business proposition. Until demand wilters by the beginning of next year, Ebay-ers, craigslisters, and entrepreneurs are looking for close to 150+% profits per system.
The mob is not a testament to the popularity of the PS3, but the popularity of its demand. As long as people are willing to pay up to $1500 for a $600 system (comparable to the earnings of buying Google stock back in 2004), the frenzy will continue. The true gamers know that the PS3's true value comes later, when the price falls and better games are released.
The stories are growing more ridiculous. But the fighting, drive-by shootings, and pregnant women aren't there to play Resistance: FoM or MGS, they are there for the money. And money is based on time. The rush for the gaming system is no longer for the killer app, but for the window of time where demand is close to inelastic and the supply close to monopolistic. It's a monopoly's wet dream and people are looking to cash in. I see this as a new trend due to the internet that feeds the streak of entrepreneurship amongst people.
I close this argument with this: Video game spinsters (I'm looking at you Gamespy, Gamespot, IGN, gametrailers, Sony, Nintendo, and M$) should take into account that the frenzy on opening day is not for all fun and games, it's also economics. The demand for the product can no longer even 90% be a benchmark for its popularity, its quality, or staying power. The "next-gen" of consoles, amongst heralding a new era of visuals and control, also brings with it a new business, one beyond the control of the company, and governed by the consumer.
Comments? Think I've discovered a trend? Think I've merely stated the obvious but the first to explicitly communicate it? Sound off.
