THQ: Pre-owned games cheat publishers

Publisher THQ is fast becoming the leading voice in the industry’s apparent tirade against pre-owned software, and its latest outburst is the most aggressive yet.

Speaking to CVG, THQ’s WWE creative director Cory Ledesma admitted: I don’t think we really care whether used game buyers are upset because new game buyers get everything. So if used game buyers are upset they don’t get the online feature set I don’t really have much sympathy for them.

That’s a little blunt but we hope it doesn’t disappoint people.”

THQ recently confirmed that the upcoming WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 will include a one-use DLC code in the box that it needed to access online multiplayer and some DLC.

We hope people understand that when the game’s bought used we get cheated,” Ledesma continued. I don’t think anyone wants that so in order for us to make strong, high-quality WWE games we need loyal fans that are interested in purchasing the game. We want to award those fans with additional content.”

Earlier this month THQ CEO Brain Farrell admitted that initiatives such as DLC codes and potentially premium online multiplayer could increase our digital revenue, engage players with our games for a longer period of time and reduce the impact of used games”.

THQ’s outspoken approach to the subject is in stark contrast to the likes of Activision and EA who, while embarking on similar plans, are far more wary of speaking out against the consumer.