240°

Microsoft Just Declared War on GameStop

Fool: Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it would begin experimenting with digital game discounts. If you own Microsoft's latest console, the Xbox One, for a limited time this month you'll be able to buy a digital version of Ryse: Son of Rome directly from Microsoft's online marketplace for just $40.

This is such a tremendous blow to GameStop's business model that it's difficult for me to overstate the matter.

TheForwardUnto3735d ago ShowReplies(4)
DanielGearSolid3735d ago

Meanwhile... In the real world..
Digital and Retail will continue to co exist

Kayant3734d ago

And where people will continue to understand that this is nothing more than a sell on a single game not some so called *War* where DD prices are permanently reduced and lower than retail.

darthv723734d ago

The ironic part is both sony and Ms are wanting to promote digital sales vs retail. Its their way of limiting the 2nd hand market that denies developers and publishers a piece of that lucrative market.

Every copy of a game that gets downloaded via PS+ or the live gold program as part of the paid membership is a retail sale lost. Now granted it might not be a big thing on XBL because the content is much older but you take the more recent offerings that + has (Like Bioshock Infinite for ex) and we are left wondering why a company like irrational Games is closing down. I mean we are buying their games....arent we?

There are pro and cons to going digital vs retail. for me its about the collectable nature of the physical product but i wont pass up a deal on a digital version if its something substantial. there are quite a few PSP digital games i purchased because they were dirt cheap, even when compared to the used market from Gamestop.

So the sensationalist title really doesnt fit when you factor in Steam as well as PSN are into selling digital versions of retail games for less as well. This is a good thing because many have been saying that digital versions SHOULD BE CHEAPER and now that this experiment is happening people want to say its a bad thing????

Oh I forgot, its only bad because it's MS that is doing it...smh.

Kayant3734d ago

"Every copy of a game that gets downloaded via PS+ or the live gold program as part of the paid membership is a retail sale lost. Now granted it might not be a big thing on XBL because the content is much older but you take the more recent offerings that + has (Like Bioshock Infinite for ex) and we are left wondering why a company like irrational Games is closing down. I mean we are buying their games....arent we?" - It might be a lost retail sale but it's not a lost sale it's not like MS and Sony didn't pay for the digital licenses for these games albeit they would have probably gotten a nice discount as well but it's not like they are getting it for free so we/they are still supporting the devs.

"This is a good thing because many have been saying that digital versions SHOULD BE CHEAPER and now that this experiment is happening people want to say its a bad thing????

Oh I forgot, its only bad because it's MS that is doing it...smh." - How is it in any way an experiment and just not a regular discount? I fail to see it because looking at major nelson's website you can see that 3 titles in total now including Ryse have had this weekly Gold discount offer. Lococycle and Crimson Dragon and now Ryse have had this weekly gold discount offer. So where does them *experiment* with DD prices come from? Please show me because I clearly can't see it. And no am not just attacking MS. Did I say the discount was bad? No all I said was that it's not an experiment and it's more a part of a weekly gold offer MS does.

Rainstorm813733d ago

I agree darthv...got Lego Marvel in a PS4 flash sale for 30$ this weekend

Digital deals like these is what MS and Sony NEED to continue to do, digital games just shouldn't be the same price as physical copies

But this certainly isn't a war on retail....MGSV GZ is wageing it own war as well then its 40 retail and 30 digital

TripC503735d ago

Discs will die just like the vinyl record. Still Collectable, but dead. Also, self driving cars are coming, in 20 years they will be the norm. Also, Halo happens. We eventually find a Halo ring and everything that happened in the Halo series actually happens (Spartan program is already in the works)...I'm from the future this is how I know this...Also Star Wars happens in a galaxy far far away but not a long time ago.. its the future.

To end an already long story.. Digital-only is, and should be, the way to go for future consoles.

Muffins12233734d ago

Nope...maybe we will have different format in future but i will and many other people will always rather have a physical copy than a digital.

jhoward5853734d ago (Edited 3734d ago )

I get the feelin if MS and Sony get their way...its going to stir up some drama with our ISP.

I can imagine if your PS4/X1 hard drive crashes or game data gets corrupts you have to download it again and again.

By Keeping things the same way(buying disc/download digital) gives balance.

doolin_dalton3734d ago (Edited 3734d ago )

Gamestop can still sell used discs for less than the digital price, considering how much they pay for them. I don't see a problem here.

Besides, digital copies SHOULD be lower in price. After all, there's no manufacturing, packaging, or shipping expenses involved. If console manufacturers want an all digital future, it will happen only when prices are appropriate. People just aren't going to spend the same for a digital copy when they can own a disc that will always retain some resale value.

jhoward5853734d ago

Right now both digital games and physical disc are priced the same.

If Sony/MS drops the price down on games then I'm all for it.

Show all comments (27)
320°

GameStop Boss Says Disc Drives Should Be Required On Game Consoles

"It would be great if people had to buy more of the thing," says guy who makes money selling the thing.

XiNatsuDragnel248d ago

Absolutely consoles needs disc drives.

wesnytsfs248d ago

Nah should be optional. Not a PS fan but I like their strategy of selling an optional external optical drive. Its all about Options and this will let everyone get their way. Cheaper for digital only and then you can chose to pay more for the optical drive if that is important to you.

Profchaos247d ago

That's not official yet it's only a rumour

Eonjay247d ago

@Profchaos

But what he describes already exists in the 2 base models. If it is a rumor you can blame Microsoft for really backing it in court but if we are honest we all know it's true.

Profchaos247d ago

@Eonjay I'm not denying the appeal of it I can see it being a useful mechanism for allowing gamers to upgrade as needed however until there's concrete proof and not speculation and remember ms still bases that court submitted document off of the same leaks we see on Reddit, 4chan etc I just can't believe it.

The system would be further opened to exploitation and they would need to release an overpriced drive for consumers to buy for it and sure as they do we will hear complaints over the cost of it

ChasterMies247d ago

Absolutely consoles don’t need disc drives. My house has 2 PS5 digital editions, one since launch. Zero issues with the lack of disc drives. In fact, the digital purchasing lets us all share each other’s games, usually mine, and play the same game at the same time on-line.

shadowT248d ago

Optional drives would be best strategy.

-Foxtrot248d ago

If they did then collectors wouldn’t be getting f***** over with discless collectors editions

jeromeface247d ago

yea they would, discs cost extra... even when you're already paying a premium

-Foxtrot247d ago (Edited 247d ago )

Lmao

We are paying roughly the same now without the discs. There’s literally collectors editions which are roughly in the same price range that have a disc.

I’d rather pay a little more for something physical anyway

RupeeHoarder248d ago

No shock, GameStop is alive because of trading. If they don't have used games on their shelves they are absolutely donezo.

darthv72248d ago

Well of course the GS boss thinks this... that's their bread and butter business. That and funco pops and clothing, though those two were added as a means to supplement the decline in people buying used games or even new games. GS just sucks overall when it comes to gaming. I buy my physical stuff on Amazon or Best Buy.

As for "requiring" disc drives... nah. Not anymore, but i like having them as an option. They had a means back when games actually ran off the discs and were more/less complete. Now they are incomplete and the disc is really an installer with a license to play. If you want to change games you have to take out the disc and put in another. Its more convenient to just use digital. I have been into digital for years now and when the PSPortal comes along i wont even have to go into my game room. I will just play my PS5 from my couch downstairs. I have a bunch of digital installed games to my 5... I'm all set.

Show all comments (46)
520°

Xbox Series X owners can effectively grab a 'free' PlayStation 5 right now

Gamingbible writes: "Luckily, if you’re living in the US you can trade your Xbox into Gamestop, where you’ll receive a hefty amount of cash as well as a $50 bonus for certain customers, just short of enough to buy the PS5."

Read Full Story >>
gamingbible.com
Jin_Sakai277d ago

A good deal for those who want a console with games.

S2Killinit275d ago (Edited 275d ago )

Lol well, we tried. But you cant save a person from drowning if they wanna hold on to their fur coat.

Im kidding off course.

Hypertension140276d ago

@Julion0715 @ichdich

So you guys won't change consoles?, give me reasons.

Your answers will probably explain why I'm so f**cking pissed off at Microsoft for buying two large mulitplatform publishers.
It isn't easy right? but you guys don't care because is not happening to you.

Lightning77276d ago

No thank you? N4G won't stand for this blasphemy!

SF releases next month hopefully that should give ppl incentive to keep their console. I know there's PC you can play there to but not everyone wants to play on PC.

Rockstar276d ago (Edited 276d ago )

@Hyper,

My guess is they love either their piece of plastic, their corporate overlords or gaming on the cheap.

Likely a combination...

itsmebryan276d ago

@hyper
Gamepass and I have a gaming PC so, I can play all the Sony "exclusives " at a higher frame rate and graphical fidelity. Why would I trade my Xbox for PS5.

After adding ABK they will have even more games at a great value.

Lexreborn2275d ago

@bryan

By that same logic what would be the point of having an Xbox? If you have a pc that handles both ps5 and Xbox games you don’t need either.

Rockstar275d ago

@ Lex,

Bringing logic into it?
That's low!

itsmebryan275d ago

@lex
I got my gaming PC last year to replace my old PC and I already had a XSX. It's pretty simple.
So, Zero horizon was disappointing and Spiderman/ miles ( got both for $50)are just ok. I might get R&C when it goes on sale.

Zhipp275d ago

@Hypertension
If I had time for a PS5 I would have bought a PS5 by now. I intend to someday, but at the moment my backlog is too big. Not only would I have to trade in all my games (for pennies on the dollar) and rebuy them for PS5, but Xbox actually finally has some exclusives coming out in the near future that interest me. I'll get a PS5 whenever Naughty Dog's next game comes out, at the latest.

fr0sty275d ago (Edited 275d ago )

@itsme

"I can play SOME the Sony "exclusives " years later. Some of them run better, some run worse." - Fixed

MrNinosan275d ago

@bryan
Your logic is amazing.
Not even close to all the Playstation games is being released on PC, and if they are, it's years past release, and often in a state when PC masterrace people cries anyways.
By logic, you should have a PS5, a PC and maybe a Switch if you're into that crap.

Especially as 100% of the Xbox games is also release on the PC, day and day.

Toncsipapa275d ago

Obsivously you get dislikes on this ps fanbooooy page :D

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 275d ago
Rockstar276d ago

@Jin

Judging by the replies here some of these people don't prefer games :).

On topic, I wish I could trade in my xbsx for a steam deck!

Julion0715275d ago

Then sell the x and get a steam deck 🤦🏾‍♂️

Rockstar275d ago

Why didn't I think of that?
Thanks for the tip! /s

goldwyncq275d ago (Edited 275d ago )

What games? FFXVI is the only true exclusive PS5 has right now and that's going to PC eventually too.

itsmebryan276d ago

@jin-Sakai
What games are you looking forward to this year?

Jin_Sakai275d ago

Spider-Man 2 and there’s plenty of great games to play that released over the years. Can’t say the same for Xbox.

DarXyde275d ago (Edited 275d ago )

There's a pretty decent slate of games coming out this year for all platforms. Armored Core looks great, Mortal Kombat 1 looks great, the info we're getting on Tekken 8 has me thinking it's coming this year. Sea of Stars can't be slept in either. If we're just talking about PlayStation games, Spider-Man 2 and Stellar Blade are expected to release this year and both look great.

I believe jin-sakai has an Xbox Series X (I could be wrong), but I reckon they're interested in those games, along with Starfield. That aside, Mario Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Star Ocean, and Suikoden I and II are all very welcome titles for the rest of the year.

I think no matter what platform you're playing on, there's enough there to generate a backlog.

EDIT: How the hell did I forget Lies of P? 🤡

shinoff2183275d ago

Darxyde

"Starfield. That aside, Mario Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Star Ocean, and Suikoden I and II"

Enough said. That's my game slate for the rest of the year.

DarkkMinion275d ago

That ain't a deal at all. Trading in a beast of a console for that, I don't think so.

Jin_Sakai275d ago

It’s a beast alright. Lol

“Digital Foundry about XSX teraflops advantage : It's kinda all blowing up in the face of Xbox Series X“

Jin_Sakai275d ago

All these “No thank you” comments from duplicate accounts. Lol

Christopher275d ago

I mean, I wouldn't trade in one console for another but instead buy both, prioritizing one over the other based on games I like.

Jin_Sakai275d ago

That would be the obvious choice but some might only be able to afford one or the other. And you have fans who will only support their console of choice regardless.

FinalFantasyFanatic275d ago (Edited 275d ago )

The PS5 is a better deal in the end, I really can't see the appeal of sticking with the Xbox.

DOMination-275d ago

"A good deal for those who want a console with games."

Like what? After all that bravado, the only game you could name was one that isn't out yet (Spider-Man 2)

Don't get me wrong, the XSX lineup in pathetic. But lets not pretend that the PS5 is any better. You can count the number of console exclusives for both on one hand.

If you're looking at games announced with release windows, there's only one console to get as it stands if you want games and it's not the PS5.

Jin_Sakai275d ago

PS5 has one slow year yes but they will start pumping out games soon and everyone knows the quality of their first party games are unmatched.

shinoff2183275d ago

Did the Xbox get any legend of heroes games, alot of jrpg type games skip the Xbox so unless your not into those types of games Xbox isn't a good choice at all. Alot of us from what I see have stuck with sony for the longest because they've had a great jrpg catalogue from 3rd party developers that xbox just can't touch. Those of us that enjoy alot of different games will get both consoles , I bought my series x about two weeks ago for starfield. It will only get used for a game here or there, most likely anything rpg related.

crazyCoconuts275d ago

Hard to tell who are in the Xbox Ambassador program from some of these comments. But for the masses, the console sales numbers are telling us which way the winds are blowing. XBox is in an important/pivotal moment right now imo

The_Blue275d ago

It's cool, I'll stick with my Xbox.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 275d ago
Elda276d ago

At this point in time If I didn't own a PS5 I would have done this in a heartbeat but I had already acquired a PS5 first before I acquired an XBSX.

darthv72276d ago

I'll stick to keeping both. Gamestop though... seems kind of desperate to take in Series X units. What could they be plotting???

Eonjay275d ago

Almost certainly their plan is to charge obscenely high prices for a used Xbox.

myfathersbastard275d ago

They make pure profit on used consoles. They don’t share any of it. And they’re generally only like $50-$100 cheaper than new.
So they “sell”a PS5, make their small cut from that. Then sell the refurbished Xbox and get to keep all of it. It’s win win. They get a small cut on PS5, and a large cut from the Xbox.

Profchaos275d ago

Could be two fold sell as much base ps5 stick before the slim or pro drop and resell the xsx for those after a starfeild machine

jznrpg275d ago

PS gamers buy games number one. And they make money off used consoles. It’s a double benefit for them

Charlieboy333275d ago

Collecting more Series X consoles to sell on to MS for the cloud

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 275d ago
Lexreborn2276d ago

I just want some games for my series X I have both since release and after weighing the offerings in PS Essentials to Gamepass I quickly realized I Owned anything of worth in both catalogs. And, the things I didn't I didn't see as justifiable for maintaining both subs.

Since then my series X is a legacy machine that I play my old games on and that's it. 3 years ago I really thought from that Xbox showcase we were going to have some great games by now. Instead, it's just been a lot of meh

Chevalier275d ago

Yep. That's why I waited this generation to have a reason to buy the Series X. Got horribly burnt buying the Xbox One because I decided they had games I was interested in then they canceled the games I wanted right after.

Was tempted after they had that great showing awhile back and am glad I waited because it would have collected dust for 2 years otherwise. Couple games out and on the horizon that look pretty good. Might be a good purchase in a couple years.

Show all comments (88)
70°

GameStop CFO to Resign in Latest Executive Departure From Retailer

GameStop’s chief financial officer is resigning, in the latest of several executive departures from the video game retailer.