Valve's been offering a similar pay-for-mod service in TF2 for ages and it's gone over great. The 'Mann Co. Store' allows players to buy items for use in game, and part of the money goes to the creator in the case of community-created items.
I'm sure that there is a difference, but it doesn't seem like a massive step forward and I'm not surprised that Valve didn't think it was a big deal.
As a Canadian that finds simsub annoying, I'm thrilled to see anything that decreases its use. But, I also don't think the arguments against it are particularly good.
CTV pays to obtain the Canadian broadcast rights to the Superbowl (and many, many other shows). However, most Canadians have access to US stations which carry the same programming. Given that, CTV is willing to pay $X for the rights because they are allowed to force simsum on the other channels. CTV, Global and the others are not going to pay huge money for rights if other channels, who are not paying for Canadian broadcast rights, are allowed to compete with them for free.
If they don't have that right, they will do one of two things: 1, pay less for the rights or 2, negotiate exclusive rights and require a blackout on the other channels. From a content provider view, they're going to push for option 2.
Simply to say, I don't think removing SimSub is anywhere near as simple as it seems. Much as I wish it were otherwise.
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Is this really new?
I'm sure that there is a difference, but it doesn't seem like a massive step forward and I'm not surprised that Valve didn't think it was a big deal.
Broadcast rights
CTV pays to obtain the Canadian broadcast rights to the Superbowl (and many, many other shows). However, most Canadians have access to US stations which carry the same programming. Given that, CTV is willing to pay $X for the rights because they are allowed to force simsum on the other channels. CTV, Global and the others are not going to pay huge money for rights if other channels, who are not paying for Canadian broadcast rights, are allowed to compete with them for free.
If they don't have that right, they will do one of two things: 1, pay less for the rights or 2, negotiate exclusive rights and require a blackout on the other channels. From a content provider view, they're going to push for option 2.
Simply to say, I don't think removing SimSub is anywhere near as simple as it seems. Much as I wish it were otherwise.
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by Ryan H.
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