p2pnet news view | Games:- “When I look at my own spending over the past several years, I can definitely see the pattern described,” says Irate Guy in a Reader’s Write in response to a p2pnet story which kicks off with:

“P2P file sharers aren’t the music industry’s deadliest enemies.

“Instead, the distinction goes to Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, “and a zillion games publishers”.

Says Irate Guy, “I do download TV shows but only because it’s a lot easier than maintaining timers on the PVR and the quality is usually better (especially when it’s HD),” continuing »»»

With movies it’s either rent or borrow and only if it’s Bluray (obviously I’ve become a huge HD nut heh). Ever since the movie and music industries have shown their true colors, I’ve done my best to boycott them. I don’t buy music at all anymore for example.

I don’t go to the theater anymore either (and the list is pretty damn long as to why). Even so, I still need my regular entertainment fix like everyone else. So where has my spending shifted to? Just like the article points out, video games!

Sure, games can cost more than a Bluray disc or music CD, but dollar for dollar the game will almost always win. One movie is worth anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours of entertainment. A music CD is worth one hour at most. Compare that with the 10 to 100+ hours of enjoyment you can get out of a good video game! More if the game has good replay value or you like getting missed achievements (aka nerd cred lol). I used to be a PC gamer, but not so much anymore ever since buying an Xbox 360.

Wireless controller + 52″ HDTV + 7.1 Digital Surround Sound + comfy cushy recliner = nerd heaven!

Now take into account that most games don’t take very long at all to hit the bargain bin, the fact that they’re not just for children anymore (haven’t been for some years now) and the fact that they’ve also become more and more co-op centric over the last few years in addition to the usual multiplayer aspects and it’s not at all hard to see why folks are choosing to spend what little spare income they have each month in this fashion.

Entertainment is all about escaping the weariness of our daily lives and it’s hard to beat the high immersion factor of a good video game when it comes to escaping reality. Instead of being a passive observer like with movies, you’re an active participant in the story being told which in turn can make you feel much more connected to the characters. Mind you, gaming consoles aren’t completely perfect either. Everything is laden with DRM nowadays, especially on the Xbox 360. When my first machine died out of warranty, I had to buy a new one. Since the Live Arcade titles you purchase via the Marketplace are tied to the unique hardware ID of the machine, changing to a new machine presents a bit of a problem. On the originating machine, anybody could login using any ID and play all the Arcade titles.

On the new machine, the account that was used to purchase those Arcade titles must be logged in or they won’t work. All were bought with my ID but about half actually belong to my wife. She can’t play any of her games unless I log in and run the game.

“Hopefully the movie and music industries will eventually catch on to what seems so obvious to everyone else,” says Irate Guy, adding:

“It’s doubtful they ever will though. If they ever do manage to change, it will be in the 11th hour and only because they had no other choice left to them. It’s either that or die, both of which are perfectly fine with me. There is simply no room for outdated 20th century thinking and business models in the 21st century. I look forward to seeing what rises from the ashes.”

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p2pnet – Music industry blame game, June 11, 2009