Online Game Rentals Via Netflix / Blockbuster

January 27, 2009

I have been thinking about the future of game rentals through sites like Netflix and Blockbuster. I have both services because I simply like both for different reasons (I like NetFlix streaming and I like Blockbuster's in-store exchange)... What is missing for me is game rentals.

I've read a few "debates" over this issue recently and I really have been thinking how silly these debates will seem once companies begin adding games to their rental plans.

The decision to add games can only give gamers more options. The "debate" doesn't really seem to be over weather companies should have games, but rather how to implement games rental plans. I have read everything from, "charge a small fee per game" to "charge $20 per month" to add a gaming option to your plan.

Perhaps I'm the only one who suggests this. Netflix / Blockbuster should add games to their plans and not increase rates at all. Company profits will come by greatly increasing their customer base to gamers. If you get 2 units at a time, you can get one game and one movie... or maybe 2 games. I do not think we should be so willing to admit that we'd love to pay extra for this service. They will charge us for it if they know they can. I don't think they should, and no gamer should say otherwise until we see what plans they come up with.

I believe Gamefly is over-priced, considering you can go to most Blockbuster stores and rent a game for $4-$8 (depending on if you have an online account) and play it into the ground for an entire month with their no late fees policy. Gamefly would be unstoppable if they had a reasonable price plan. For $23 a month I'd rather put that money towards the purchase of one game a month. Once NetFlix or Blockbuster puts a game plan into place (and they will), GameFly will disappear.

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honestgamer - January 27, 2009 (07:38 PM)
I think that all of that is temporary. The future is downloads. Netflix might stick around because it's offering rental downloads now--and maybe Blockbuster will do that too--but it's only a matter of time before movie studios jump on the bandwagon and eliminate the middle man. Perhaps game companies, too!

Stevie - January 28, 2009 (09:04 AM)
Interesting post. I'm not sure what debates you read but. Games and Movies both come on discs, and that's about all they have in common. Not only is the market for movies much broader, but the costs across the board are lower. Buying a DVD is cheaper than buying a game; same goes for replacement. When shipping, there's less needed to protect the DVD, so shipping costs are lower no cardboard outer sleeve.

I've been using gamefly for about 3 years now. IMO it's about the best deal there is for games. The basic plan is only $17/ month. Not only do i get to play every game that comes out but I can also keep the best ones for a lot way less than retail. I end up buying a lot less games and can budget my gaming expenses.

Blockbuster selection of games i reallly bad. I rented 1 game for 1 week and it was $9.50, last time I did.

While digital downloads maybe be on the way, it's going to be many years until it even becomes possible to get every game that way. Especially with many internet providers putting caps on downloads and lots of copyright protection issues.

Bottom line: It may be fun to think about what if's but Gamefly has been renting games since 2003 and grown a lot since then something like 6,000 titles and has thrived while other companies have tried to do and failed.

ProfesserPants - January 29, 2009 (06:00 PM)
Stevie I think your right. I rented my first game from blockbuster without getting the online exchange rate... almost $10! That is expensive, even if you do keep it for 30 days. If you rent a lot of games, especially if you don't have a blockbuster online account, Gamefly will save you a lot. You are also right that Blockbuster stores are very limited in their game selection, which is a huge advantage to Gamefly.

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	honestgamer - January 27, 2009 (07:38 PM) I think that all of that is temporary. The future is downloads. Netflix might stick around because it's offering rental downloads now--and maybe Blockbuster will do that too--but it's only a matter of time before movie studios jump on the bandwagon and eliminate the middle man. Perhaps game companies, too!
	Stevie - January 28, 2009 (09:04 AM) Interesting post. I'm not sure what debates you read but. Games and Movies both come on discs, and that's about all they have in common. Not only is the market for movies much broader, but the costs across the board are lower. Buying a DVD is cheaper than buying a game; same goes for replacement. When shipping, there's less needed to protect the DVD, so shipping costs are lower no cardboard outer sleeve. I've been using gamefly for about 3 years now. IMO it's about the best deal there is for games. The basic plan is only $17/ month. Not only do i get to play every game that comes out but I can also keep the best ones for a lot way less than retail. I end up buying a lot less games and can budget my gaming expenses. Blockbuster selection of games i reallly bad. I rented 1 game for 1 week and it was $9.50, last time I did. While digital downloads maybe be on the way, it's going to be many years until it even becomes possible to get every game that way. Especially with many internet providers putting caps on downloads and lots of copyright protection issues. Bottom line: It may be fun to think about what if's but Gamefly has been renting games since 2003 and grown a lot since then something like 6,000 titles and has thrived while other companies have tried to do and failed.
	ProfesserPants - January 29, 2009 (06:00 PM) Stevie I think your right. I rented my first game from blockbuster without getting the online exchange rate... almost $10! That is expensive, even if you do keep it for 30 days. If you rent a lot of games, especially if you don't have a blockbuster online account, Gamefly will save you a lot. You are also right that Blockbuster stores are very limited in their game selection, which is a huge advantage to Gamefly.

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