Rock Band 3 and Capitalism (in a Managed economy that disguises itself as a Free Market)

Ryan's Rant: Rock Band 3 and Capitalism* (in a Managed economy*** that disguises itself as a Free Market**)
Here is some background.

Rock Band releases downloadable tracks every Tuesday at a price of about $2.00. About a year ago they released a set of Queen tracks.

Queen being one of the greatest bands of all time, warranted some of my hard earned cash.

Rock Band 3 has recently hit the stage and has added a whole new level of play. (Keyboard, duel microphones, and come March an actual real guitar.)

End of the background. Here is where the Rant steps in.

Here is where Capitalism (in a Managed economy that disguises itself as a Free Market) shines. With the new levels of play the previous rock band downloadable tracks need to be upgraded ... for a price.

Release these upgrades as free downloads to those who have already purchased the songs? Of course not.

Release them as discounted upgrades to those who have already purchased the songs? Are you crazy.

Release them as full priced songs, with no regard to those who have already purchased the songs. Now you get it.

AND will these upgraded songs be ready for the new guitar that comes out in March? No. Another upgrade will be required.

Three total purchases of the same songs.****

I am not forced to buy any of this. My livelihood does not depend on it. So charging for it three times should only effect me if I want to purchase them. (Check out Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for some insight on how marketing can change your perception of what you need versus what you want. (so maybe I do need these songs))

The similarities between this issue and what the US is currently facing with Health Care, Tax Breaks, Irish debt, etc, makes me want to ask the question. Do I want the government to regulate the price of Rock Band 3 downloadable tracks?

Do I want to lift the veil of the free market and live fully in a managed economy that pours into every aspect of my life which includes VIDEO GAMES?

Perception of the economy is just as powerful as the actual production and consumption of its goods and services.

Do you do business in a free market or a managed economy? How far does the macro effect your micro?

Would you pay three times for the same music tracks?



*Capitalism - an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, esp. as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

**Free market - an economic system that allows supply and demand to regulate prices, wages, etc, rather than government policy.

***Managed economy - economy directed by government: an economy in which the government owns large parts of industry and sets prices for goods and services

****For this Rant I am ignoring the price of the game, and the cost of the additional plastic instruments required to play.