Should public libraries start adding console games to their collections?

[NotSoLoneWanderer]

Yes, it benefits gamers and libraries because someone is going to forget to bring back Skyrim on time. Oh...but then someone will undoubtedly scratch the disk and ruin someones day...Oh! Just put a console in the library and test each returned game for scratches and if it still works.

 

[undeadexistentialist]

my public library DOES have console games. What I'm in support of at public libraries is sex booths

 

[FootloosePhoenix]

This would be most excellent. But I disagree with some of the other posters' notions that the libraries should only carry classic video games because this situation could provide fertile ground for people to discover great games that haven't necessarily gotten a lot of attention. Browsing library shelves is how I've discovered a good deal of books I never would have heard about otherwise, after all.

 

[Batou667]

It's a nice idea although not exactly analogous to DVD rentals as rather than supporting one format (or, say, three max, if you still stock VHS alongside DVD and BluRay) you'd have to stock a library of about a dozen different game formats, often including duplicates of the same game for different consoles.

It's interesting to hear that some libraries actually do lend console games, though - that's something I'd definitely use if my local library offered it.

 

[trollnystan]

The main library in my town lends out console games, has done that for about 3-4 years now. (I think?) Live in Sweden. I haven't borrowed any though because I have debt on my library card... >_> (Not to mention the only current gen console I own is the Wii)

 

[The_Blue_Rider]

I live in New Zealand and our libraries have been doing that for several years now

 

[HazzaH]

So, someone was asking a question about why used games sales are any different than used record sales or used book sales and it struck me. Not only is there no difference between used game sales and any other entertainment media used sales, but I can?t think of any reason why games aren?t subject to the same IP and copyright exceptions that allow public lending libraries to distribute copies temporarily for free. So I?m asking;
1. Do you think libraries should lend computer and console games?
2. If not, can you provide a reason why a video game is unlike a movie, audiobook, record, book or other material that libraries currently do lend?

i used to work as a library tech and while it helps to bring in clients to the library they have bigger issues to deal with these days. with less people comming into them libraries are having their budgets cut, downsizing and what this means and its a sad open secret in the library industry is that a good chunk of libraries are digitising material and then throwing out the original copies at best. alot of collections are just being tossed these days due to lack of funding and space

Downloadable games you could play for a limited amount of time - in the same vein as downloadable audiobooks - would be great... if you (and the library!) had the bandwidth for it.

 

[Palademon]

Mine has already been doing this...for as long as I can remember...
Not that they're games I'd actually want to play.

 

[Dandark]

If your asking why video game companies whine so much about piracy, you could argue the difference between games and other works like movies or books is that video games can cost a lot more to make. I know films can be expensive but im currently under the impression that video games can be just as expensive with much less chance of gaining profit. It's easier for a game to fail than a movie, this is why COD never really changes, it's a safe design.

Also video games cost a lot more, im not sure how this fits into things but im pretty sure the fact that games tend to cost a lot more than movies or books is relevant somehow.

 

[Jazoni89]

My local library sells games, but it's selection only consists of shovelware wii games, and Ps2 games that noone cares about (though they did have Persona 3, which was cool).

 

[purf]

I don't understand the question :þ



Sadly, the section for PC games (!) is rather outdated...
But, yeah. I guess you have an answer

 

[CheckD3]

Can't do computer games anymore with the one-time use codes go with them.

Apperantly some libraries do, but you have to look at it from someone who works in the rental industry with Blockbuster...that's me btw.

The biggest thing I see from people is how careless they are with things that aren't theirs, and that's with money involved at Blockbuster. We get discs that after a year of rentals stop working because people don't treat them with the care that they deserve. Xbox games will look horrible, Wii games get trashed, though PS3 games are rarely damaged cause they're strong, people don't give them love.

Imagine a place where with no money involved, they'd be rented out more, had longer by individuals treating them poorly, and people at the library who aren't as familiar with games to make sure they're treated right.

Plus, the way games are turning, you won't be able to do anything online soon with any EA games with them being giant douchebags and using online passes. It's a shame, but rentals, a great way to test games before making the investment, is being passed over by the game industry.

For those out there actually reading this, here's something I tell people who want a game but are scared to make the investment. Preorder the game if you are interested, but rent it launch day to try it out. If it doesn't look worth the investment, either cancel the order, or change it to another game. That way the retailer gets another new game to sell to those who didn't order it, and you don't lose out on a game you shouldn't have to waste your money on a crappy game.

 

[jthwilliams]

Can't do computer games anymore with the one-time use codes go with them.

Apperantly some libraries do, but you have to look at it from someone who works in the rental industry with Blockbuster...that's me btw.

The biggest thing I see from people is how careless they are with things that aren't theirs, and that's with money involved at Blockbuster. We get discs that after a year of rentals stop working because people don't treat them with the care that they deserve. Xbox games will look horrible, Wii games get trashed, though PS3 games are rarely damaged cause they're strong, people don't give them love.

Imagine a place where with no money involved, they'd be rented out more, had longer by individuals treating them poorly, and people at the library who aren't as familiar with games to make sure they're treated right.

Plus, the way games are turning, you won't be able to do anything online soon with any EA games with them being giant douchebags and using online passes. It's a shame, but rentals, a great way to test games before making the investment, is being passed over by the game industry.

For those out there actually reading this, here's something I tell people who want a game but are scared to make the investment. Preorder the game if you are interested, but rent it launch day to try it out. If it doesn't look worth the investment, either cancel the order, or change it to another game. That way the retailer gets another new game to sell to those who didn't order it, and you don't lose out on a game you shouldn't have to waste your money on a crappy game.

Well I was actually thinking the laws in the US that permit Libraries to exist in the first place could in fact require the software manufactures remove 1 time use coes and/or create library eddtions that do not require them.

Book publishers tried not selling to libraries in the past. Several law suits later, The comprimise came out to making library editions of books, movies, audiobooks that cost about twice as much as the commercial version for some reason.

Also Audiobooks cost more than games.

 

[jthwilliams]

And yes when you create a movie, you could spend millions and years putting it together and then fail. Same happens with movies. You can also spend virtually nothing and make millions (aka minecraft, PopCap Games, and many many more, this also happens in movies and books.


I've never heard of a book that cost millions to make. But I have heard of authors who devote every spare moment for 15+ years to get their book written and publish, and if you don't think that is the same thing than coperate america has gotten to you. Audiobooks can be very expensive to make which is why the generally only get made for books that have already been succesful or that are coming from an auther who is already popular (aka it took till book two of the HP series for the audio book for the book one to be released, but after that the book and the audio book came out on the same day).


Face it, the only thing that Games have that other media doesn't is more temptation to fuck with your customers using DRM.


*EDIT* the justification for library editions costing more is that they use special binding so that will last longer. I do not know that the justification for a library edition of audio books costing more is.