27 replies to this topic

[Zinix]

The future of GameStop, the world’s largest videogame retailer, looks rocky thanks to the threat of digital distribution. There’s also the ugly rumor that the Xbox 720 will require an always-online internet connection, which, if true, means the console will could block used games. That would be really bad news for GameStop since used game sales are a major source of the company’s revenue.

When asked if GameStop will die, a GameStop manager said in a Reddit AMA: “I don’t think GameStop will die with this console generation, but I think it’s very possible it will with the one afterward. That, or the company will be less of a GameStop and more of an Electronics Boutique again.“

This reaffirms the notion that brick and mortar stores are in trouble as the videogame industry seemingly heads towards a digital future. It’s already well-documented how sales of physical disc-based games have dropped thanks to the rise in digital sales, however, GameStop has been trying to adapt by selling iOS devices and “pushing digital sales hard (most Steam titles are available through us, for example),” the GameStop manager explained.

He also noted that GameStop has “a solid market share on Microsoft DLC,” but acknowledged that “PC is still a little rough, in my area at least.” Moreover, it was stated that smartphone data plan service Net10 Wireless dropped GameStop’s unlimited data plan around a month ago, which has been “really painful.”

 

 

http://beefjack.com/...mestop-manager/

 

Seems likely. Digital Download is the future. 

[PyroKinesis]

Well, he says this, because right now, only one console is rumored to refuse used games. Imagine if all 3 refused used games. THEN, yes, they would be "dead".

[Ashurii]

I'll be sad due to the fact I'm against digital downloads. I like to feel my games I like to hold my games

[Tricky Sonic]

I'll be sad due to the fact I'm against digital downloads. I like to feel my games I like to hold my games

 

Right there with you on that

[Soul]

Why U have to say this on April 1st!

[itsdavebaby]

I personally hope this never happens. I like to display my games and trade if I don't actually like it.

[xile6]

They won't be dead they still sell games. And I go there to preorder and buy games because walmart and bestbuy suck.
In fact I don't even trade or buy used. The price just isn't right for me.

[AndyG]

I wouldn't say digital download will be pushed into 100% digital too soon, places like Australia are still on very low broadband caps such as myself.

 Even though i don't like Gamestop's pricing's, i would miss seeing them go.

[ChrisTerror]

I hope Gamestop sinks like the titanic...... Many other retailers that are just as good with actual deals and without having to deal with the idiots that think they know the whole gaming industry because they got hired at their little minimum wage job. Will be a long ways off before you see 100% digital downloads only. Yeah i see it happening some day, but wont be for a long time.

[Penguin101]

http://beefjack.com/...mestop-manager/

 

Seems likely. Digital Download is the future. 

 

Not with current Wii U eShop prices they aren't!

[SoldMyWiiUAndLeftTheForums]

From what I've heard they are a terrible company anyway, as are GAME in the UK, no skin off my nose if the both just disapeared off the face of the Earth, do you really think I'm going to buy a game for £50 when I can go on Amazon pay £35 - £40 AND get it delivered to my door? Oh an I got Animal Crossing Wild World for DS the other day, it was £12.99 in GAME second hand!!!! I got it off Amazon for £7.99 BRAND NEW!!!!!!

[Chaz]

It's certainly true that digital distribution is becoming more and more popular, there will always be a need for retail distribution for the foreseeable future. The question is whether Gamestop will change their sales strategy to keep up, or simply whine about it all the way into bankruptcy.

It's certainly true that digital distribution is becoming more and more popular, there will always be a need for retail distribution for the foreseeable future. The question is whether Gamestop will change their sales strategy to keep up, or simply whine about it all the way into bankruptcy.

[Gamejunkie]

I hope Gamestop sinks like the titanic...... Many other retailers that are just as good with actual deals and without having to deal with the idiots that think they know the whole gaming industry because they got hired at their little minimum wage job. Will be a long ways off before you see 100% digital downloads only. Yeah i see it happening some day, but wont be for a long time.

Most if not all other retailers don't specialise in games and their games business can be subsidised by other more lucrative and profitable lines. GameStop specialises in games and can't neccessarily offer the same pricing level. As for the staff you're generalising and there are a lot of people who work there who are knowledgeable. Calling them idiots is harsh and at the end the day they're just trying to earn a living and its not their fault if the company hires people who don't have the knowledge and don't do anything to train or inform them of what they need to know.

From what I've heard they are a terrible company anyway, as are GAME in the UK, no skin off my nose if the both just disapeared off the face of the Earth, do you really think I'm going to buy a game for £50 when I can go on Amazon pay £35 - £40 AND get it delivered to my door? Oh an I got Animal Crossing Wild World for DS the other day, it was £12.99 in GAME second hand!!!! I got it off Amazon for £7.99 BRAND NEW!!!!!!

You obviously have no clue as to how local bricks and mortar retail differs from online retail or you would realise why there is a price difference. Also GAME specialises in games and games related products and don't have a way of subsidising the prices. Online retailers don't have anywhere near the overheads of local retail stores. You don't get to see, touch or play around with the products. You also don't know exactly what you're getting until you actually get. Returning or exchanging products is more hassle. There are pros and cons to both.

[routerbad]

Most if not all other retailers don't specialise in games and their games business can be subsidised by other more lucrative and profitable lines. GameStop specialises in games and can't neccessarily offer the same pricing level. As for the staff you're generalising and there are a lot of people who work there who are knowledgeable. Calling them idiots is harsh and at the end the day they're just trying to earn a living and its not their fault if the company hires people who don't have the knowledge and don't do anything to train or inform them of what they need to know.

True,

 

There are much better places to buy videogames in the US, Toys R Us comes to mind, WalMart, Target, KMart, Sears, babbages, Best Buy, they are all better than Gamestop, and Best Buy has even started dabbling with pre-owned games.  Toys R Us has the best prices for most things.

 

At any rate, there are better places to buy games, but Gamestop does have pretty much anything gaming related you could be looking for in one place.  I've never had an issue with any GS employees, and I'm friends with a few of them, including a store manager in NC, they have decent education for their employees on professionalism and customer service.  Most of the employees work there because they like playing video games, so naturally they should know what they are talking about, but keep in mind they are still required to try and upsell, and many of the stores will try and sell systems and games based on that crew's preferences, so don't be suprised to see fanboys and haters working there just like you would anywhere else.

[Gamejunkie]

True,
 
There are much better places to buy videogames in the US, Toys R Us comes to mind, WalMart, Target, KMart, Sears, babbages, Best Buy, they are all better than Gamestop, and Best Buy has even started dabbling with pre-owned games.  Toys R Us has the best prices for most things.
 
At any rate, there are better places to buy games, but Gamestop does have pretty much anything gaming related you could be looking for in one place.  I've never had an issue with any GS employees, and I'm friends with a few of them, including a store manager in NC, they have decent education for their employees on professionalism and customer service.  Most of the employees work there because they like playing video games, so naturally they should know what they are talking about, but keep in mind they are still required to try and upsell, and many of the stores will try and sell systems and games based on that crew's preferences, so don't be suprised to see fanboys and haters working there just like you would anywhere else.

That is true. There is a lot of pressure from managers to do what's neccessary to make the sale and to push things like accessories where the biggest margins are. I have worked for Electronic's Boutique ( before they merged with GameStop), Software Etc. (before they went out of business) whilst living in the US and GAME here in the UK as well as an independent game store. I know how things are and how they work although I always tried to give the best customer service and the most appropriate information.

[Zinix]

Not with current Wii U eShop prices they aren't!

What?

 

Digital download games cost the same as retail. 

[Hunter]

I personally hope this never happens. I like to display my games and trade if I don't actually like it.

 

I agree.

 

This is the same way I feel about digital download of music too.

Edited by Hunter, 02 April 2013 - 08:12 AM.

[alan123]

the solution is not to buy digital games in the first place.

[routerbad]

That is true. There is a lot of pressure from managers to do what's neccessary to make the sale and to push things like accessories where the biggest margins are. I have worked for Electronic's Boutique ( before they merged with GameStop), Software Etc. (before they went out of business) whilst living in the US and GAME here in the UK as well as an independent game store. I know how things are and how they work although I always tried to give the best customer service and the most appropriate information.

Absolutely, I've never received less than professional service from Gamestop, though I sometimes wish they wouldn't push used software SO much, that is where the money is for them for the most part.

 

That's all they can do is try and push the products that help the store and the company most while balancing that with what they believe is appropriate information based on their own experiences and preferences.  

 

Also I rarely have an issue with paying full price for a game even if it is an older one, though it translates into fewer total games I can experience new, so I will buy used games from time to time either if it isn't available new at that store, or if I'm not exactly certain whether I'll like the game, whether its a new genre for me (rare these days) or just a series or style I've never played.

Edited by routerbad, 02 April 2013 - 09:03 AM.

[Alianjaro]

They sould sell Nintendo Power.

 

Problem solved.