Gamer Rape: An Epidemic

Sarcastic Gamer takes a copy of GTA4 and MGS4 to several places to find out who's screwing gamers most, when it comes to trading in used games. Includes side-by-side comparisons of what several trading options offerred

From the article: "I could see if the game ran slower, or needed maintenance, the older it got, but a used game in good condition delivers EXACTLY the same game experience as its new counterpart. So why are these companies turning in record profits off of these trade-in practices? Complacency.

As gamers, we'll get riled up about anything, as long as it doesn't ACTUALLY get to be INCONVENIENT. When we're done with a game, we need it GONE right then and there, and waiting to complete a transaction online is just unfathomable.

Rather than anticipate our desire to get rid of a game and sell it for BIG bucks, we hop in the car and drive mach-2 towards these loan sharks."

[ErcsYou]

about a month or two ago i was in GameStop and i saw a used copy of COD4 with no case or instructions and they wanted $54.99... The funny part is that it wasn't there the next day. Somebody got suckered

[Jack Bauer]

whats even worse is i had mine since day one and payed 33 for it, along with behind enemy lines too... BB price match to CC at 39.99 (person did 34.99 by accident) plus 10% the difference.

but dang i never thought about some of those markups... glad i have no money in GS now, thats usually my excuse for going back...not now anymore are they getting my money.

[TOSgamer]

then say they traded game A for game B a week later. Kids need to be smarter with their money. I mean you know you can rent a game at Blockbuster and keep it for 13 days with no penalty right? Its $8 to rent a game and some of these people are paying $30+ to "rent" a game instead.

[slugg]

How can it be rape if no one forces you to do it? I personally consider my videogames a "collection" and don't buy a game I don't plan on keeping. Friends and I exchange games with each other to play, so not all of us have to buy every game we are interested in, either. Also, renting games is a cheaper alternative to buying/trading, and places like Gamefly couldn't make it easier. The two biggest gripes I have with this article, however, are (1)the fact that you should "expect" to be able to trade in something you bought in the first place. Can you trade in a car stereo after you buy it? tires for your car? Refridgerators? People buy new cars KNOWING that as soon as they drive it off the lot, it is worth less that what they are paying for it, but that is the way it goes. And people who used to buy games, CD's, Movies, etc., had no place or plan to trade them in-- they bought them because they wanted them enough to pay the asking price (anyone else remember how expensive movies were on Laser Disc?). (2) Yes, you can get better deals buying games from people over ebay, etc., but what guarantee to you have that they will work? Or include everything you thought you were getting (manual, original case, etc.)? Seems like it would be a lot easier to get screwed this way-- I heard a story about someone who bought a PS3 at launch for $600.00 and got a box of rocks. At least at Gamestop they let you look at the disc and see what you get with it before you pay, and they will replace used games if their are problems pretty much forever. But the main thing is-- if you think you are getting screwed, don't do it. No one is "forcing" you to.

[ThanatosDMC]

I agree, it's just business. I'd do the same to profit.

Edit:

Btw, i just read your last two or three sentences.

[LKane]

Fine it's not rape. Yes, if we think we're gonna get screwed, don't let them. So in that case, think about it as child molestation, where the victim doesn't know any better that they're actually getting screwed, lol. Most of those victims are not actually forced, but that doesn't make it right. That article serves the purpose of letting people know that gamestop/ebgames is ripping people off left and right, and now that we know better, we shouldn't let gamestop rip us off anymore.

As for point 1, yes, once you drive the car off the lot, it is worth much less. However, if you CAN find a private buyer as opposed to trade it in to the dealer (ebay vs gamestop), you will most likely get a better deal, but your mileage may vary.

In addition, IF the expectation is that a used game should be worth much less, then gamestop shouldn't be selling used games for nearly full price.

As for your point number 2, you're thinking as the buyer's persepective. As far as this article is concerned, it's the seller's point of view, as he's trying to sell his copy. In that case, if your copy works, then there's almost no risk involved, as the buyer would pay before you ship the thing.

As for me, I only shopped at ebgames recently because they had a bunch of $10 game sales (I bought RE umbrella chronicles, manhunt 2, battalion wars 2 for 10 bucks each, brand new sealed. They also had TC New Blood and a bunch of other (mostly crappy) games for that price.)

[Megaton]

This is the main reason why I don't shop at GameStop. I don't support companies that practice consumer rape.

It drives me crazy when I see someone posting online about how excited they are that they got a whopping $30 for a handful of relatively new games from GameStop, when I know they could have gotten so much more if they bothered with eBay, or even Blockbuster. It's like selling a dollar to someone for a quarter, and being happy about it.

[ThanatosDMC]

I agree, that's why i took my time buying my HDTV. I bought two in Sam's. Funny that it costs a lot less there.

[PoSTedUP]

i dont trade games in, either do i buy them used, im a collector.

[INehalemEXI]

Some collectors items (older games) can only be bought for a sensible price used. Since they are not made anymore.

There have been times when ive had to pay full price + for PS1 games due to an ex that destroyed my collection from that era.

[jadenkorri]

i personally have quite a large game collection, over 100 ps1, maybe 80 plus ps2 and counting, and maybe 15 ps3 games and counting, and pc, well, its less than 200 and more than 100, how bout we leave it at that... if anyone other than god himself destroys my stuff, ie girlfriend, relative or even a friend, they better run, cause if i get a hold of them, bad things will happen to them... this is ridiculously alot of money and im not gonna lose it... I don't buy used games, all brand new, unless absolutely no other way to get it..

[TruthbeTold]

If we gamers weren't stupid enough to give them this cheap inventory, this practice wouldn't exist. If you are short on funds though, and a new game is out that you want, then I guess you do what you have to do. Yes people are being exploited, but it's not akin to rape. What's happening to the companies that make these games though? That's another story. IMO, anyone who bought used or traded in a struggling game like No More Heroes is just wrong.

[jadenkorri]

seriously 54.99 for used MGS4 as an example, compared to the 59.99 for brand new... i get asked all the time at GS/EB to buy used, im like its 5 dollars less for used, if you can't afford 5 dollars, maybe you really shouldn't be buying that game in the first place... Yes there trade ins are ridiculously low and used is way over priced... on top of that, devs don't get that extra money, that 54.99 you just spent on (insert game name) goes to GS/EB, one day devs will go on strike demanding money for their products if resold resale... The writers strike went on strike to get money from online, why not this...

[TruthbeTold]

I agree with you completely. I'm just saying that I think that the biggest reason people trade games in is because it helps them to more easily afford new games. People who buy used recent games are just cheap, and part of the problem in a more "malevolent" way.

[Snukadaman]

I made a promise to myself not to get screwed no more with gamestop....Once in a great while i steal a person trying to sell their games to them out in the parking lot..I could of purchased a ps3 for 200 bucks but decided not to since the guys were kinda shady and would of been screwed if i went online with it and it was reported stolen...I bought mario kart wii for 27 bucks though.

[qwertyuiopasdfghjkl]

I think companies charging for extra content is an even bigger rod forcing itself inside naive gamers this generation. Extra maps and game modes PC gamers have been treated to over the years for free have drifted to gaming consoles, this would be acceptable if the free price tag accompanied these extras too. Even worse extra skins and weapons that are locked away inside the disk are not obtained through accomplishments anymore, instead they are slapped with a fee...

Basically, what once was free is now being charged for and I for one cannot stand it. Thank you Microsoft and Xbox Live for starting this trend, and more importantly, thank you stupid gamers for giving your money away.

jerks.

[jadenkorri]

you said it, live has ruined gaming, and psn gets the short end of the stick for sticking up for free online...although their not totally innocent

[MACHone]

Listen, I don't like GameStop just as much as the next guy, which is why I've always shopped and now work at Game Crazy. Now, some of you might say that there isn't a difference, but from an internal perspective, there most certainly is. Last I checked, you still got 33 dollars in store credit for MGS4 and GTA IV (regardless of console) at Game Crazy. Anyone who thinks that they can trade-in a game for any more than half of what they paid for it is absolutely 100% insane (and trust me, we get them all the time). Look at it this way, if the world was nothing but Wal-marts and Best Buys, you wouldn't be trading-in jack crap. Trade-ins are an option. Yes, you don't get back what you paid for, but how do you expect small specialty retailers to survive in the wake of superstores otherwise? Used game sales are the life-blood of both Game Crazy and GameStop retailers. Without the direct profit from used games, they'd be swallowed up by the competition. It's a very simple concept. No one is forcing you to trade in games. If you don't like the current trade values, tough. You should be thankful that there are companies out there that are willing to give ANYTHING for your used software! There, rant done.

[clevernickname]

Before you pat the used video game stores on the back for taking our used games, consider that you could sell them privately in your local newspaper or on Craigslist (or, if so inclined, eBay) at almost no loss whatsoever. I've done this for years and I will never trade a game into a used game store when I can get almost 100% of the value selling it privately. It's the equivalent of trading your used car into a dealership for pennies on the dollar versus selling it to your neighbor or an interested buyer for significantly more.

The sticking point is that selling used goods requires effort, and in today's society convenience trumps thrift every single time; most people are simply too lazy to save money.

[jadenkorri]

selling on ebay as an example means you need to ship the game too them, meaning, the 59.99 you just got back, is coupled with them paying 5-15 dollars more for shipping and handling, so really your ripping them off...but that is better...for you....lol... ive tried buying used/new games on ebay, its way more money than if i went to GS/EB

[Mutley416]

Yes these guys get you, but you get to play all the latest games. And Blockbuster is the best way to go as far as renting Games-
@7.99 + 1.50 for restocking fee for 29.5 days!!!
The catch is your credit card gets charged the full price of the game after 14 days, but when you return it on the 29th day...you get a credit.. or just keep it if it`s that good-
Libraries/Collections are just to expensive now a days-

[meepmoopmeep]

i don't generally trade in my games or buy used ones unless they are uber cheap. some games like old games out of print i buy though.

but it's a business and nobody is forcing you to trade it in or buy it.

[Millah]

Trading is definitely the way to do it, I used to trade games online all the frickin time. It was a long ass time ago when IGN used to run a game trading site, probably like 7 years ago, and I traded things religiously there, I was so upset when they stopped that site. Thats how I got my copy of Chrono Trigger and a bunch of other rare games :)

[Fade_Walker]

Gamer Rape is a understatment. As an employee first hand I have seen this and I can't help but feel bad for the person...I would hope that they would realize this by now and just put the game on ebay already.

[sumfood4u]

1st time i heard screwing gammers as the word Rape! i know most girlfriends Rape their boyfriends wallets! But Games?

[Supa]

Can someone please edit the title? I find it disgusting to use a heavy word like "rape" in this context of people willingly selling their second-hand games.

[Coke-a-Cola]

I traded final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles several Years ago to Game Spot .
They gave me 5 bucks or less for it . I turned to leave the store and saw the same game......... USED for $45.00............ It was then that I smartened up.

[BrotherNick]

Guys, try out goozex. They try their best to maintain value of your games and once you sell them you can trade for new ones. I sign up for the newest games all the time, and it's 1 dollar per trade.

[TheDeadMetalhead]

This is very interesting. I knew game stores screwed over gamers but I never knew it was THIS bad, though.

[GarandShooter]

I use GameStop for pre-orders and nothing more. They definitely screw you on trade-ins. Anyone defending their excessive profiteering should have no problem paying $4 and more for a gallon of gas, and should be rabidly defending the oil companies. And please, don't tell me you have a choice with GS but not with gas. You always have choices...none may seem palatable, but they are choices nonetheless.

I currently have an original PS1, multiple controllers, and about 50 games I want to dispose of. It would probably cost me more in fuel to take them to GS than I could get in return. So as another poster pointed out, Craigslist it is...

[TheDeadMetalhead]

Every company's trying to screw you over for cash, be it game stores or oil companies. Can't we all just be nice to each other for once?

[LKane]

"Every company's trying to screw you over for cash, be it game stores or oil companies. Can't we all just be nice to each other for once?"

In a place called Smaerdruoyni, it's exactly like you described. Game stores actually give you games for free, and Gas cost next to nothing.

lol :p