Found out today all the loyalty cards have been canceled, which is a bit shit because I had quite a few points racked up.
But yeah, Game has looked doomed since they announced they couldn't afford to stock ME3 and a few other major titles, and now a lot of the stores aren't open. Only one branch of Gamestation was open today, two Game stores I saw shut and apparently it's the same across the UK.
Sad to see really as Game was always the store I went too growing up as a kid and it'll be weird when it's gone. Apparently GameStop are looking to purchase it and make themselves a UK presence? Not sure how true that is thought.
Does this affect their European branches too? I mean, their rather shitty business tactics were applied to Denmark as well; I remember seeing two individual, fully stocked, GAME stores within walking distance. They were literally located within a block of each other, and neither had very many customers. A shame. More so given how damn rare game stores are around these parts. The only store in my city selling games is a general technology store, and if they stock a title, they'll only stock a few of that.
I'm not too sure about what's going on elsewhere, I know the UK and Australian stores are owned by one holding company, other territories may be owned by another company and have slightly separate issues.
There are now currently only 120 Gamestation stores left, nationwide. Have all the GAME stores closed, or is it just a large quantity of them?
EDIT: And with the rumor of next gen consoles having lockout software so that preowned games can't be played, I'm not sure how those remaining 120 Gamestation stores are going to survive either.
Pending...
Last edited by SuperSmeg; March 31st, 2012 at 02:43 AM.
That's not too bad. While I'm sure it'd be better to spend those points on new, shining games, from my own experience most of the chain's pre-owned games are in excellent condition too.
Guess it's good that you've got some use for your loyalty card points in the end then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FileTrekker
I'm not too sure about what's going on elsewhere, I know the UK and Australian stores are owned by one holding company, other territories may be owned by another company and have slightly separate issues.
I wasn't actually aware (until the other day) that Game & Gamestation were owned be the same company. Struck me as a little odd did that. What's the point? Rival stores that are run by the same guy?
Quote:
Originally Posted by FileTrekker
I know Game Stop only want the UK business.
Wouldn't have thought the UK market any better than that of any other nationality really. Why so much interest in the UK?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSmeg
EDIT: And with the rumor of next gen consoles having lockout software so that preowned games can't be played, I'm not sure how those remaining 120 Gamestation stores are going to survive either.
This is a daunting rumour, though I can see where they've got the idea from. Consoles working this way; means more people buying copies of games, no more 'renting' or 'lending' of games. If people want something, they've got to pay the full price and it's their game for life.
This does suck for such shops as Blockbusters though who rent games out. Add to that if you're unsure about a game, you can always trade it in, or sell it on. If they take this route then they're going to (ideally) need to release a demo for every single game they release so that people will know whether they're going to like it.
I doubt for one minute they'll do that (more money for them to make a demo, and less money if people don't wrongfully purchase) but they should.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FileTrekker
If that rumor is true, that'll be the end of video game retail I reckon. What's the point of going to the store if you can't get trade-ins?
It wont be the end of game retail cause you've still got to buy the games in the first place. It will however be more suitable to buy games on-line, thus having no use for the actual stores; if that isn't what you already meant (in which case, I agree with you).
Guess it's good that you've got some use for your loyalty card points in the end then.
I wasn't actually aware (until the other day) that Game & Gamestation were owned be the same company. Struck me as a little odd did that. What's the point? Rival stores that are run by the same guy?
Game group purchased Gamestation some years ago, and now own both chains. The logic to it? Not sure. You'll notice though both stores do identical deals and identical pricing.
Gamestation used to differentiate itself a lot by stocking retro traded-in items like Dreamcasts, Megadrives etc. but cut that out last year or roundabouts.
Quote:
Wouldn't have thought the UK market any better than that of any other nationality really. Why so much interest in the UK?
They want to enter the UK market. Game own both Australian and UK retail outlets, but Game Stop don't want to enter the Australian business. Can't remember if it's because they're already there, or if that side of the business is weaker.
Quote:
It wont be the end of game retail cause you've still got to buy the games in the first place. It will however be more suitable to buy games on-line, thus having no use for the actual stores; if that isn't what you already meant (in which case, I agree with you).
I did mean that it spells the end for retail (in real life) of video games. It'll be easier to buy online or via digital download (Steam, xbox live etc.) - the only reason I still shop in stores is for trade-ins.
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