By Brian Perry

As publishers look for new ways to add profitability to their games, DLC has become the new battlefront for deterring used game sales. In recent weeks both Electronic Arts and Sony Computer Entertainment America have begun using Free DLC for new purchasers to provide gamers with incentives to buy new and used game retailers are finally starting to speak out.

While Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz (Registration Required) retail representatives stated that consumers would bear the brunt of these changes. One such retailer Marc Day of SwapGame told GamesIndustry.biz:

“The move to DLC exclusive content is an interesting step, and this obviously provides the publisher with another revenue stream. This move will definitely make the game less valuable on the pre-owned market, so it will be sold cheaper, meaning customers will get less value when trading in.”

Others see this move as a compromise between Retailers, Gamers and Publishers on the hot button issue of used game sales, as stated Christopher Bowen Associate Editor of Diehard GameFAN in the comments:

“I don’t think Project Ten Dollar – which balances risk and reward – is going to alienate consumers. They see the tangible benefits of buying new before the game is sold. In the case of Mass Effect and other EA games, before it’s released. EA has been very upfront about what they’re doing, and while I don’t *LIKE* it – we got more complete packages in the last console generation than we do now, in terms of bang for our buck – I think it’s a nice compromise against the secondhand market and Gamestop.”

With this newest push to digital distribution, and incentives however it will seem only time will tell who is right.