210°

Gamestop: The truth from employees and consumers inside and out

We look into gamestops business practices and what the future may hold for consumers

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thedarkmage.com
smoothdude3447d ago

Interesting article. I don't shop at Gamestop anymore, but it will be interesting to see how the increased competition affects the company. Pre-orders are a joke and digital sales are increasing in Volume, so I wonder what Gamestop will be doing in 5/10 years time.

freshslicepizza3447d ago

this is why they want to secure exclusive content and partner with the publishers. it is such a shady business because most of their revenue stream is from used games. this is why publishers are also pushing digital content. they get more revenue that way for their games.

the steam model shows how digital can work and also flourish. valve can offer free online gaming, great sales and excellent relations with both publishers and customers. you take out the need to push hardware and it creates a more direct relationship with publishers and customers. you dont get middle-men like gamestop involved. but lots of consumers still prefer physical conent because they feel they actually own what they buy and because of that gamestop will remain relevant but they definitely are trying to secure exclusive partnerships to make them more immune to a digital future.

lipton1013447d ago

Used games have a gigantic profit margin, hence the push for more trades / used game sales. They even allow returns on used game purchases <7days old. Shady? No. Shrewd? Very much so. I don't care either way. I'll buy used any day, if I don't like it I return it. U.S. gamers are not owed anything. Not special treatment from GameStop, nor anything else, including 'free' Destiny DLC. Deal with it.

DarthZoolu3446d ago

I work at gamestop in texas I'm about to quit, its a horrible place and we are forced to lie daily. My district manager made me trick a customer into buying a new ps3 when he could have gotten his fixed for $50 (disc drive)

freshslicepizza3446d ago

i couldnt work at a place where i have to push products that badly.

lipton1013447d ago

Beware of the evil corporation trying to rip your money from your cold, dead hands!!! /s
So they tightly manage their employees, condition them to ask for pre-orders and trades, and make most of their money via pre-owned games. No shit. The margin on a new game is virtually non-existent, no surprise. As far as what they'll be doing in 5 years time? More of the same I'd imagine, + mobile phones from cricket I guess. They have a strategy in place and they're executing. They need trades because of the now available trade options through target, toys-r-us and Walmart. What they CAN do is increase the trade values to encourage more business. Supply and demand appears to be on the side of gamers at the present moment, though I'd be truly surprised if trade values were raised on account of it. 2 weeks before Christmas, if they're in the same predicament, be prepared to sell sell sell!

JacketsNest1013447d ago

They already increased the trade values once.

3-4-53447d ago

Pre-orders are a joke ?

I pre-ordered the smash bundle and now I have a GC adapter.

Some people can't find them, therefore it was worth it to pre-order.

Obviously Pre-orders for the New Madden are worthless because they make a bajillion copies.

smoothdude3442d ago

Nintendo is kind of the exception. Look I pre-ordered Battlefield 4 and I got a broken game. I returned it, waited 2 months for it go to on sale (PC) for $20. After some time they fixed the game, but why waste my time and money when I could be playing something that works.

I say Nintendo is the exception as they typically release quality games, however, I would not pre order one. As tempted as I was to pre order Mario Kart 8, I didn't, and I was still able to pick up a copy from any store that sold games. Smash Bros is the same, I see many copies on shelves no matter which store I walk into.

I just can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would preorder in today's age especially if worse comes to worse you can order a digital copy on Day 1.

TheDarkMage3447d ago

continuing to take customers money and take advantage of their situations needing gas money and what not

Dirtnapstor3447d ago (Edited 3447d ago )

If an individual is that hard up for cash, they shouldn't be investing their time & money in this type of leisure activity. Gaming is classified as a "want", not a "need".
Is it nice to have this type of outlet? Sure, gaming is fun and relaxing. But not at the expense of your livelihood. It's not Gamestops job to manage your money.

I'm not necessarily defending GS, just saying they are in business to make $$$, not support a gamers lifestyle.

Zichu3447d ago

We don't have Gamestop stores in the UK, we have GAME. It's pretty much the same deal though, I don't tend to buy stuff in there that often. They would always ask you if you want to pre-order anything, if you have a points card, if you didn't they would ask if you wanted to sign up, if you wanted warranty on games, consoles, etc.

The thing is, this isn't just exclusives to game stores. I go in clothes stores, it's the same deal, do you want to buy this reinforced shopping bag for £2, do you own a club card, points card, etc.

I actually remember going into Matalan and bought a memory foam pillow. I paid for it and the girl asks if I wanted to sign up for a club card. It's the first time I had ever bought anything in there and I wasn't really planning on going there again unless it was for another pillow. She really trying to convince me to sign up, it turned from asking nicely to sign up to begging. She was saying please sign up... Constantly declining, took my stuff and walked out.

JacketsNest1013447d ago

That's a bad employee who does not know when to stop.

Silber3447d ago

I hope Gamestop will die a painful Death.

Spotie3447d ago

I don't. They're one of the few outlets for used games left. Here in the US, any opened software is yours once you open it, so there's no returning a game you play and don't like; buying used is a way around that.

I haven't traded anything in a while, but I hear they've gone up on trade-in value, which is good: they really were shafting people with the value they gave. That said, there's a high markup on used games and systems because they have to make money somehow, since they make almost nothing on new games. Certainly not enough to stay in business. Whether you decide to trade in game X for Y money is up to the individual; I've always thought it was asinine for people to complain, honestly, since it's not as if you're forced to trade your games in.

And then, of course, there's all the people that work for the company. As much as I dislike GameStop, I don't like seeing anybody losing their jobs.

xx4xx3447d ago

Is this article really all that surprising or have new info?

If you don't like gamestop....don't shop there.

wiggles3447d ago

I agree, it's really not that hard.

Show all comments (31)
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.

XiNatsuDragnel240d ago

Absolutely consoles needs disc drives.

wesnytsfs240d 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.

Profchaos239d ago

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

Eonjay239d 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.

Profchaos239d 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

ChasterMies239d 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.

shadowT240d ago

Optional drives would be best strategy.

-Foxtrot240d ago

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

jeromeface238d ago

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

-Foxtrot238d ago (Edited 238d 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

RupeeHoarder239d ago

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

darthv72239d 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."

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gamingbible.com
Jin_Sakai268d ago

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

S2Killinit267d ago (Edited 267d 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.

Hypertension140267d 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.

Lightning77267d 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.

Rockstar267d ago (Edited 267d ago )

@Hyper,

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

Likely a combination...

itsmebryan267d 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.

Lexreborn2267d 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.

Rockstar267d ago

@ Lex,

Bringing logic into it?
That's low!

itsmebryan267d 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.

Zhipp267d 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.

fr0sty267d ago (Edited 267d ago )

@itsme

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

MrNinosan267d 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.

Toncsipapa267d ago

Obsivously you get dislikes on this ps fanbooooy page :D

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 267d ago
Rockstar267d 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!

Julion0715267d ago

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

Rockstar267d ago

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

goldwyncq267d ago (Edited 267d ago )

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

itsmebryan267d ago

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

Jin_Sakai267d 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.

DarXyde267d ago (Edited 267d 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? 🤡

shinoff2183266d 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.

DarkkMinion267d ago

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

Jin_Sakai267d 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_Sakai267d ago

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

Christopher267d 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_Sakai267d 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.

FinalFantasyFanatic267d ago (Edited 267d ago )

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

DOMination-267d 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_Sakai267d 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.

shinoff2183266d 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.

crazyCoconuts267d 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_Blue266d ago

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

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 266d ago
Elda267d 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.

darthv72267d ago

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

Eonjay267d ago

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

myfathersbastard267d 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.

Profchaos267d 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

jznrpg267d ago

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

Charlieboy333267d ago

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

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 267d ago
Lexreborn2267d 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

Chevalier267d 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.