What is Geoblocking? It’s a sneaky bit of tech-fu wherein a webmaster blocks a certain range of IP addresses. Or put more simply, it stops certain countries from looking at a website. It’s used almost exclusively by TV networks to prevent people outside of the U.S. from accessing their web content.
Why? To make more money. The producers of the blocked content are trying desperately to stop other countries from seeing what they’re posting free for Americans so that they can sell the rights to broadcast said content in these countries. I recently ran into Geoblocking when I tried to check out “Gemini Division,” the new web-only sci-fi series starring Rosario Dawson. I live in Toronto and apparently we’ll have to wait for a Canadian distributor to buy and release the show before viewing it. Although, after watching the trailer on YouTube, I wasn’t quite as upset at missing this one…
This geek is worried. It’s called the World Wide Web. We should be using the Internet to move towards a global community, not to build more walls. And we especially shouldn’t be blocking entertainment. There might be a valid argument to block sensitive news items or documents from other countries in times of war, but I think we’re safe to let the world watch “30 Rock.” In fact, it’s important to let differing countries see each other’s entertainment. Peace comes through understanding, and what better way to understand a people than by experiencing what makes them laugh?
End Geoblocking Now!
PS – I’ve blocked Japan from viewing this post. I’m hoping to sell the rights to them for a hefty sum.
I loved your PS. Was that a jab at Sony? The owner of the international distribution rights? :)
Geoblocking or at least the concept of it is nothing new. We still have to wait for our Final Fantasy games. This is even true of their upcoming game to be released in 2009 which will be released in Japan first and then separately to other territories. Right now I think or at least hope that we are in a transition period and that the joint global release of multi-platform content, games, and other types of media will come closer and closer to a reality.
Right now many producers of multi-platform content as well as web distributed content in general are trying to figure out how to make enough money just to break even and stay in business, let alone make a profit. Multi-platform global distribution is a recent phenomenon and is much more complex than traditional media, particularly when the extended content must be adapted to other territories. Gemini Division is Sony’s second multi-platform global distribution. Their first was the EFE produced series Afterworld.
Sony realizes that there is money to be made in distributing good content to a global audience and are willing to put up money to do so. I agree with you that we all would be better off with joint global distribution. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as simply flipping a switch. Multi-platform content is not simply digital web distributed video, it also consists of alternate reality gaming websites, graphic novels, mobile interaction, and ARG-like experiences that all span mediums and technologies. It is much more complex to distribute than a game like Final Fantasy as it has many more moving pieces (it may even have a video game as part of the content).
I don’t think we can fault independent producers from seeking to push the new media edge and make a profit in doing so. When there are companies like Sony who offer big money for international distribution rights, I think producers will continue to work with them.
Even if we put all that aside, independent production companies simply don’t have the distribution clout and resources needed to distribute multi-platform content globally. At the moment they still need larger companies like Sony.
Again, I completely agree with you when you say that we should be using the Internet to move towards a global community and not to build more walls. I believe that this will require new thinking, new infrastructure, and innovative ideas as we all rethink how to do media in a digital media age. For this to work I think we need to have a competitive alternative to bring about change.
For instance, consider traditional broadcast TV. What worked in the past, isn’t working like it used to. The traditional ad arrangement between broadcast tv and viewers is breaking down. Vcrs, DVD’s, DVR’s, cable, satelite, Netflix, etc have changed the landscape. This competition is driving broadcast networks to emphasize new ways of doing media. Advertising is shifting increasingly away from tv and moving toward online markets. They are beginning to change because there were competitive alternatives.
Another good example is Blockbuster and the local video store in comparison to Netflix. We used to have to go to the store for our movies and we used to have to pay late fees for them. If it wasn’t for a competitive alternative this would still be the case. Netflix acquired distribution channels and leveraged the internet to change the landscape completely. Amazon in response ended up trying to start up a similar online service, but it simply wasn’t able to keep pace with Netflix.
I think we need a competitive alternative. We need the Netflix of multi-platform content to shake up Blockbuster’s like Sony. Perhaps Sony could learn some lessons from Blockbuster and take the initiative before someone else does it for them. It is a prime time for change.
PS – I found the episodes to be a good deal better than the trailer. I am looking forward to digging in and enjoying it as it takes on speed. Hope it comes soon to you. I have had to wait for Final Fantasy 8-12 and it is no fun at all to wait. :(
Good luck with your geoblocking enterprise. If you need a good lawyer to help cross the t’s and dot the lowercase j’s, there just a few of ‘em in my family tree.
Hey MG,
I just don’t get the big need for Geo Blocking.
I’ve always found them to be a fairly slow moving compact car ,
each to their own I guess…
however…..
If you you ever want to advocate Gino Blocking , well I can get behind that …
too much of that slicked back hair and pointy leather shoes these days ….
that’s it for now ,
you know Hat Blocking , defensive line blocking, block & tackle Blocking might be potential topics !!
Great stuff , spread the M.G. gospel …back again soon …
Big Wave Dave?