Is renting Lego:RB just to import unethical?

[sperine]

Personally, I'm going to want to play through the whole game on-disc, but assuming all or most songs are exportable and assuming there is a one-time use code a la 20 free DLC or AC/DC, I will trade it back in when I am finished with the game. With AC/DC, I had already beat through the game on the disc to get the achievements, so when I wanted the tracks for RB2, I bought the game from Wal-Mart, went out to my car, stripped it of its code, and drove up the street to GameStop to trade it. HMX still gets my money, and I get my songs. Sounds pretty fair to me.

[Bullseye]

From where I sit, the export code on a rental copy is out there for any one that's willing to pay the licensing fees...the right to use the music was already negotiated by HMX and paid for when Blockbuster bought the disc. The re-licensing fee is paid by the person that redeems the code. Are you cheating Blockbuster out of it's chance to redeem the code...sure, but Blockbuster is not going to use that code. My Blockbuster doesn't have a ton of used copies to sell (actually I've never seen a used GH or RB game at the only store within 10 miles of my house). Are you cheating HMX out of money? Well, technically all game rentals are cheating them out of a sale. As for resale, buyer beware. If it's a used copy, one must be aware that the codes are most likely already used. I got burned picking up a "Brand new" , "sealed" AC/DC track pack from "a reputable store" on eBay. Am I ticked off that I got burned? yep, but it was a gamble. So is it unethical? Probably. Would I lose sleep over it. Nope.

[Kariodude]

I'm betting it will be like GH5. You use a one time export code and then pay for it. They aren't going to let people just rent it for 5 bucks then get the songs for 5 bucks. You can pretty much guarantee that. But I also doubt it will just be a one time use code that's free like the track packs because this game will have a lot more songs than just a track pack.

[Lone Bulldogs]

So to the OP, if some random person on the Rock Band Forums says it's unethical, will that stop you?

[cherokeesam]

But didn't HMX say that the songs on Lego RB would eventually become DLC??

Don't know if HMX has confirmed/denied this, but I'd say it probably will be available as DLC at a later date....that's the way things have worked so far, what with "timed exclusives" on track packs and Unplugged and whatnot.

Still, those who buy LRB at launch and export will get to enjoy those songs a lot quicker than those who wait a few months for them. Depends on your threshold for patience and/or playing video games with LEGO minifigs.

[TurboStitchCW]

guess i'm just an oddball in the fact that i dont mind actually paying for a good product??? I'm just happy HMX has made it exportable so I can add it too my library. Funny how so many talk about how much they love HMX and complain if something isnt exportable, but are the first to line up to rip them off if they can....

I feel the same way about this whole thing. I buy and keep my copy of all of the games I buy.

[OrdealByFire]

they SHOULD charge a fee. i wouldn't want them to because i plan on buying the game, but people like you make me sick.

after all HMX has done for us.

[TurboStitchCW]

either that, or the rental places can sign an agreement that states that they are not allowed to release the booklet until it comes time to sell the pre-played games, then they can pack the booklet with the game.

[T-Hybrid]

But didn't HMX say that the songs on Lego RB would eventually become DLC??

No. HMX has made zero comment regarding exportability or DLC for LEGO.

And no, I do not count "No comment".

[DeadManDrumming]

they SHOULD charge a fee. i wouldn't want them to because i plan on buying the game, but people like you make me sick.

after all HMX has done for us.

Eerrr. I bought the game AND I have over 350+ DLC. So that is roughly 800 dollars invested into the game. (two bucks per son IIRC w/ RB1 bought and RB2.) Plus countless times the instruments *broke* on me and I re-bought because damn this game is too good.

HMX is a *game* company. Without *me* or *you* buying their games *they* wouldn't be here.