Game maker Koei announced plans for its game rental service "RentaNet," reports Famitsu. While the used market thrives in Japan, the rental market just does not exist (hence, the lively second-hand business). Rental stores like Tetsuya sell software, not lend it out. In May, Koei will roll-out the first local in August and plans to have over a thousand by 2008. Koei putting rental spots in video stores and game centers. For new games, it's around 2,800 yen (approx. US $24.50) for five days and for three-month old games, it's about 900 yen (approx. US $7.50). Game older than one year go for 500 yen (about US $4.00). Nearly half of the rental fee goes towards publishers participating in the service. Even though there are not other companies to compete with, charging almost $25 to play new titles for a week seems ludicrous. Why pay that when you can wait a few months and buy a used copy at nearly the same price?

Full Story Here [Famitsu]

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