While Redbox did not make an official announcement regarding its discontinuation of video game rentals, the decision quickly became apparent to watchful Redbox users. The official Redbox website has been scrubbed of all mentions of video game rentals, for example. Given that the Redbox website is a primary source for users to rent games, outside of just walking up to a machine, Redbox has clearly already gone through with its decision.
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As for the official confirmation, a Redbox user replied to a post on the service’s community subreddit saying that they talked with Redbox’s customer service to confirm the discontinuation. The customer service representative reportedly stated that Redbox will no longer rent games. However, it will continue to sell copies of games through January 2020, likely so as to get rid of as much remaining video game stock left in machines as possible.
The loss of Redbox video game rentals is certain to felt among thrifty video game players. Redbox was one of just two major video game rental services remaining, with the mail-based service GameFly now becoming the last major platform in the US. But as for local, immediate rental services with new games, there doesn’t appear to be a viable widespread alternative.
What’s still unclear is why Redbox decided to end its video game rental services. Video game rentals were available for $3/day, meaning that each disc would pay for its full $60 price in just 20 days. Redbox did seem to be dealing with an issue where renters would steal the game disc and replace it with a high-quality printing of the disc and its associated security codes. Perhaps the stolen Redbox games were too widespread and Redbox decided video games weren’t profitable enough anymore. Whatever the reason, video game renters will have to find a new way to try games before they buy.
MORE: GameStop Puts a Hold on Game Rental Program
Source: Reddit, Reddit
